Mexico’s Lopez Obrador: Opposition using metro accident to sow discord

Mexico City, Jun 14 (EFE).- Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Monday that the conservative opposition is seeking to use last month’s deadly metro accident in this capital for political gain.

Lacking any leaders of their own, the right wants to spur infighting on the left, the president, known as AMLO, said during his daily morning press conference.

“Our adversaries wish to have Marcelo and Claudia fight,” he said, referring to Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard and Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum, seen as the two leading contenders to lead the left in the post-AMLO era.

Mexico’s constitution limits the president to a single six-year term and AMLO is set to leave office in December 2024.

On Sunday, The New York Times published a story examining the causes of the disaster that struck Mexico City on May 3, when an overpass on metro Line 12 collapsed, resulting in 26 deaths.

The piece placed responsibility for the accident on Ebrard, who was mayor of the capital when Line 12 was built, and on the chief contractor, billionaire Carlos Slim’s Carso Infrastructure and Construction.

Engineers consulted by The Times said the overpass failed due to poor-quality welds, while people involved in the project told the newspaper that the Ebrard administration allowed corners to be cut so the “Golden Line” could be inaugurated before the end of his term.

The story also cited previously unpublished official documents pointing to problems with Line 12.

Sheinbaum said Sunday that no one in her administration leaked documents or information to The Times, while Ebrard criticized the newspaper for neglecting to include his public remarks on the accident.

Leaks “always happen,” AMLO said Monday. “In every government there are some who not only don’t agree with our project, but are against it.”

Asked if he will fire Ebrard, the president said he would wait for the findings of the investigation.

“I believe that the decision is ready and it will be made known this week and the competent authority will resolve it,” AMLO said.

The president reiterated that the federal government will provide funds for the repair of the damaged metro line because “it is a service which benefits many people.” EFE er/dr