MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Mexican Congress sent “frustrating” image to the world

Mexican Congress members sent to the world a “non-stimulating, frustrating” image of lack of governance and populism which tarnishes the whole Latinamerican continent, said Chilean former president Eduardo Frei who was present at the taking office ceremony of incoming president Felipe Calderón.

Last Friday ruling coalition and opposition Mexican Congressmen pushed, shoved, shouted and even exchanged a few blows when President Calderón was taking the official oath before the Legislative branch.

Opposition leader Andres Manual Lopez Obrador who claims fraud in the presidential election and refuses to admit defeat, has promised that his organized "peaceful" pickets both in Congress and the streets will obstruct the "illegitimate" administration of President Calderón.

"The truth is one feels a bit frustrated seeing our Latinamerica again facing a complicated situation. These images traveled the world and showed a continent with signs of lack of governance, populism. It was not at all stimulating", said Senator Frei who was among the distinguished guests next to former US president George Bush, OAS secretary general Jose Miguel Insulza and the heir of the Spanish throne, Prince Felipe.

Contrary to similar ceremonies in the rest of the continent, most leaders of the region did not participate.

"The big issue is whether President Calderon has the political capacity to ensure governance and reach minimum agreements with the third main party, PRI and some sectors of the PRD (from Lopez Obrador) who are willing to agree on a legislative agenda. The situation in Mexico is not easy", said Frei.

"Mr. Calderón is a capable man, a former Congress member, former Energy minister, strong leader and has always been open to dialogue, but all these qualities will be challenged and tested simultaneously in the coming weeks", forecasted the former Chilean president.

"Friday events give Latinamerica a poor image and show us a little out of touch with the rest of the world. That is why the interest of the country must be above partisan debates and dialogue is essential in politics", he emphasized.