Enrique Peña Nieto

Who is Enrique Peña Nieto?

Enrique Peña Nieto is a Mexican politician, the current President of Mexico. His six-year term began in 2012. He is a member of the Institutional Revolutionary Party and served as governor of the State of Mexico from 2005 to 2011. Peña Nieto was declared president-elect after the 2012 general election was declared valid by the Federal Electoral Tribunal, amidst some accusations of electoral fraud. He took office on 1 December 2012, succeeding Felipe Calderón as president and thereby marking the return to power of the party that had ruled Mexican politics for 71 consecutive years.

Peña Nieto announced his presidential candidacy in September 2011, four days after leaving office as governor. He formally registered in November 2011. Peña Nieto garnered 38% of the votes and does not hold a legislative majority. His election marked the return of the PRI after a twelve-year hiatus. The PRI had governed Mexico uninterrupted for 71 years until it was defeated by the National Action Party in 2000.

The return of the PRI was not welcomed by everyone. Marches against Peña Nieto drew tens of thousands of people across Mexico, particularly from the Yo Soy 132 student movement, who protested supposed voting irregularities and alleged media bias. Others protested that during its time in power, the PRI became a symbol of corruption, repression, economic mismanagement, and electoral fraud. Many Mexicans and urban dwellers worried that its return to power may signify a return to Mexico's past. Peña Nieto promised that his government will be much more democratic, modern and open to criticism. He also pledged to continue the fight against organized crime and drug trade and that there will be no pacts with criminals.