Dr. Perez
Global Studies 220
June 9, 2015
Current Events #8: Mexico’s First Independent Candidate Leads in Exit Polls (NY Times) In Mexico, over the past week they held their midterm elections, usually mid-term elections go on quietly with low turnout. However, this year the elections were held with protest mostly by teachers against the government calling the Mexican government corrupt and ineffective. Teachers also demanding the investigation of the missing 42 students at a radical teachers college in Tixtla. History was also made in Mexico in the Neuvo Leon, where economic hub Monterrey. The people elected an independent party member, Jaime “El Bronco” Rodriguez, who said the ruling parties could “go on a six year vacation”. Rodriguez’ support goes back when the state elected Vicente Fox, of the opposing National Action Party. Ending the PRI’s 71-year rule of the state. The elections were seen as a test for how well President Nieto is doing. The PRI lost seats however a partnership with the green party could still give them majority. Protests broke out in areas, however the government, but the government dismissed them has isolated incident. The protests were mostly organized by teachers who demand higher wages, an end to teacher testing, plus the return of 42 missing students that disappeared in September. In several locations ballot boxes were burned in several locations, others filled blank ballots as a protest against a corrupt and ineffective government. The protests and the election of different parties signals a change that the Mexican people are done with their current form of government and want change. T