| | |  Business News | January 2009 
Mexicans Urge Calderón to Deal With Economy
 Angus Reid Global Monitor
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 |  | Mexico enjoys continuous economic growth, low external debt, strong currency reserves, controlled rates of inflation, and solid financial institutions.
- US Ambassador Tony Garza |  | | |
Adults in Mexico believe their president should place more emphasis on financial stability than on public safety at this time, according to a poll by Reforma. 43 per cent of respondents want the economy to be the main priority for Felipe Calderón, while 22 per cent select crime.
A third of respondents believe both issues are equally important.
Mexican voters chose their new president in July 2006. Official results placed Calderón of the National Action Party (PAN) as the winner with 36.68 per cent of all cast ballots. Calderón—a former energy secretary—took over as Mexico’s head of state in December.
Criminal activity has been a predicament in Mexico for the past few years. According to official National Public Security office statistics, at least 8,416 kidnappings have taken place between 1994 and March 2008. Mexico City has become infamous over the past few years for its "express kidnappings"—a form of quick hostage-taking in which victims are forced to vacate their bank accounts from automated tellers at gunpoint.
In October 2008, Calderón predicted that the worldwide economic recession would result in fewer Mexican exports, tourists and investing from international firms, adding, "This will, lamentably, affect economic growth and jobs."
On Jan. 2, U.S. ambassador to Mexico Tony Garza said he expected Mexico to withstand the effects of the global financial crisis, adding, "Mexico enjoys continuous economic growth, low external debt, strong currency reserves, controlled rates of inflation, and solid financial institutions."
Polling Data
In your view, what should be the main priority for the president?
The economy - 43% | Crime - 22% | Both - 33% | Not sure - 2%
Source: Reforma
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 850 Mexican adults, conducted on Dec. 13, 2008. Margin of error is 3.4 per cent. |
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