MEXICO CITY — One of the main business organizations in Mexico is concerned with the rising violence and crime indexes in that nation. Their concern is not only with the local the local impact of crime but also for its ties to the U.S.
“There’s no development without safety,” stated Gustavo de Hoyos, president of the Mexican Employers’ Confederation (COPARMEX).
Data from the Mexican government quoted by De Hoyos show an increase of homicides, extortions and violent thefts to businesses during the current administration.
More than 17,000 homicides have been registered since President Andrés Manuel López Obrador took power; a record-breaking number.
Since he took office in December and until June, there’s been almost 33,000 thefts with violence registered, making it almost 154 establishments robbed per day.
Extortions had an increase of almost 24%, and theft to businesses had a 16% increase comparing the first quarters of 2018 and 2019.
De Hoyos said companies are spending more in security. According to the businessman, part of the problem comes from the lack of strategies to fight weapon trafficking coming from the U.S.
The Mexican foreign affairs minister, Marcelo Ebrard, has said he asked the U.S. secretary of State, Michael Pompeo, to start a bilateral plan on this matter.
De Hoyos said the Mexican president broke his promise to reduce crime, while acting empathetic to drug traffickers. But López Obrador has stated that he’s a pacifist and that his government is bringing improvements.
