Fox blames PRI for crime, drugs and corruption

Fox claims he is the only candidate offering a legitimate alternative to the PRI

June 27, 2000
Web posted at: 11:29 p.m. EDT (0329 GMT)

MEXICO CITY (CNN) -- Vicente Fox, a former governor of the central Mexican state of Guanajuato, believes he is the country's best hope to send the Institutional Revolutionary Party home after seven decades in power.

But his inability to convince liberal candidate Cuauhtemoc Cardenas to unite prior to the July 2 election could hand victory to PRI candidate Francisco Labastida.

Fox, a conservative who climbed the ranks at Coca-Cola Mexico from truck driver to president, doesn't see it that way.

"I think that after these three years of campaigning, I have upon my shoulders ... a big responsibility," he said. To Fox, he is fighting for "too many dreams, too many hopes, too many families that want to get out of poverty."

	ElectionWatch
A brief election overview FROM IFES: In-Depth special report

Fox argues that he is the only candidate to offer a legitimate choice.

"After you come from 71 years of a single ruling party that has roots of corruption, you need to conduct the transit to a real democracy," he said.

Fox has a degree in management from Harvard University, and he served a term as a federal congressman. In interviews, he frequently rails against societal problems that he says erupted during the PRI reign.

In a 1998 interview with The Council of the Americas, he laid the blame at the foot of President Ernesto Zedillo:

"... Our country has been dealing with the growing problems of crime, corruption, and dishonesty. During this time a huge drug and narco-trafficking system has emerged in Mexico. And now, all of the sudden, the president cries out that he is going to do something. He pretends he has a new strategy, but it seems to me that he is trying to pull the wool over our eyes, because the budget (for the anti-crime program) presented to the Mexican people as extraordinary, was actually decided upon two years ago, and I participated in that decision.

"There was a fund of 11 billion pesos ($1.1 billion) created by the federal government and state governments to be invested over three years, and 1998 is the second of those three years. Thus, the money was budgeted already, the commitment was made, there is nothing new about it.

"Mexico needs a very profound change in its political institutions, in security and in matters of justice. Until this happens, I do not foresee the country turning the corner on crime and corruption."

Fox's battle to become Mexico's first opposition president since 1929 began three years ago when he resigned his position as governor to launch his campaign.

His platform consists of strengthening the economy, increasing education, cracking down on tax evasion and strengthening the judicial system.

Fox claims his government would be one of transition to a more democratic system of government. He also says it would be pluralistic, with a Cabinet that would include holdovers from the current Cabinet and members of the other main opposition party, to ensure a smooth transition and stability.

But that is a radical concept for Mexico, one that inspires fear in some.

Fox acknowledges that there is apprehension. "After 71 years of being in this prison," he said, "of course everybody wants to get out, but there is fear of the unknown."

Fox says, however, that he is confident Mexican voters on Sunday will usher in what he calls a new era for his country.

CNN Mexico City Bureau Chief Harris Whitbeck contributed to this report.

Leftist Mexican presidential candidate sees something new in 2000
June 26, 2000
Minor presidential candidates in Mexico have little chance for victory, but high hopes to influence outcome
June 20, 2000
Candidates spar in Mexican presidential debate
April 25, 2000
Ruling party names Labastida winner in Mexican primary
November 8, 1999
Sunday's primary may define future of Mexican politics
November 4, 1999

The Council of the Americas
PRI (in Spanish)
PAN -- National Action Party (in Spanish)
World History Archives: Mexican politics
Internet resources on Mexican politics
CIA Factbook 1999: Mexico
InterWeb Mexico

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.