Mexican President's Final Press Conference: A Watch Raffle and Emotional Farewell
In his last press conference, Mexican President Lopez Obrador raffled his watch to journalists. The event marked the end of his term and the transition to Mexico's first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum.
On September 30, 2024, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador held his final morning press conference as the 65th President of Mexico. In a characteristic populist gesture, he raffled off his watch to attending journalists, concluding his six-year term with a memorable event.
The conference, known as "mananera," has been a defining feature of Lopez Obrador's presidency since 2018. His successor and protégé, Claudia Sheinbaum, set to become Mexico's first female president on October 1, 2024, has pledged to continue this tradition despite her more rehearsed style.
Lopez Obrador's watch, reportedly a Momentum brand timepiece valued between 2,000 and 2,500 pesos (approximately $100 to $125), became the centerpiece of the event. This modest choice of accessory aligns with his Morena party's appeal to Mexico's poorest citizens and its anti-corruption stance.
The significance of watches in Latin American politics cannot be understated. In early 2024, Peruvian President Dina Boluarte faced calls to resign over questions about her Rolex collection. Similarly, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has been criticized for allegedly owning luxury timepieces. Historically, Cuba's Fidel Castro was known to wear two Rolex watches simultaneously, reportedly set to local time and Moscow time.
Interestingly, Lopez Obrador himself faced criticism in 2005 for wearing an expensive Tiffany watch while serving as mayor of Mexico City. However, since winning the presidency in 2018, he has carefully cultivated an image consistent with his party's values.
The watch raffle proceeded with a bingo-style drum, from which a journalist from the local video outlet Sin Puntos Ni Comas was selected as the winner. The lucky reporter embraced the president and posed for photographs with the newly acquired timepiece.
The final press conference concluded on an emotional note, featuring a music video tribute to the president, live music, and a traditional dance performance. Cabinet members joined Lopez Obrador on stage, marking the end of an era in Mexican politics.
As Mexico transitions to its new leadership under Sheinbaum, it's worth noting that the country's presidential term lasts six years with no possibility of re-election, as mandated by the Mexican Constitution. This change in leadership comes at a time when Mexico stands as the 10th most populous country globally and boasts the largest Spanish-speaking population in the world.
The event not only symbolized the end of Lopez Obrador's presidency but also highlighted the ongoing importance of maintaining a connection with the public in Mexican politics. As the country moves forward, it will be interesting to see how Sheinbaum adapts the daily press conference tradition to her own style while addressing the challenges facing this federal presidential constitutional republic of 31 states and Mexico City.
