Pena-Nieto
- Top priority will be ensuring strong dialogue in bilateral relationship with US
- Mexico is a natural bridge for trade with other regions, must increase trade diversification
- Will work closer with Brazil, Argentina, Latam
- Mexico is becoming a global logistics center
- Mexico will immediately seek bilateral deals with countries in TPP
- Ready to start talks with UK
- Will take steps to defend its interests given new vision in US
Is this the man to humble Trump?
I wonder what it was like at the Mexican Presidential palace on US election night?
My take on almost all politicians is that their #1 priority is to hold onto power. He's in a rough spot because if he rolls over, he's done and if he starts a trade war, he could also be done. But Mexicans are proud so he has to try and stand up to Trump. He said neither confrontation nor submission is the correct strategy.
His party faces an election next year so his political legacy is on the line. His party is a longshot at this point in part because his approval rating is the lowest since polling began in 1985. It's at 12% and no one else has ever polled worse than 25%.
There's a risk that he has nothing to lose and decides to go out swinging. But he doesn't seem to be taking that tone. Instead he's saying he aims to increase exports to US and Canada.