What happens with Mexico’s drug cartels has a direct effect on the drug trade in the US. So when Mexican President Felipe Calderon recently defended his government's approach to combating crime and drugs during his final state of the nation address, US officials were listening.
Calderon took office in December 2006, seemingly eager to take on the cartels. He announced plans to deploy troops to combat them. Now, as the president prepares to step down this December, more than 47,500 people have died in drug-related violence in Mexico during his time in office.
Still, he insists his administration has made strides.
"We've made advances Mexicans should feel proud of," Calderon said, speaking from the National Palace. He voiced support for the role of government troops in the drug war, while admitting that it may take years before the full effects of his efforts are felt.
Not everyone agreed that Mexico is on the right road. Critics point to corrupt officials with connections to the cartels, suggesting they’re helping the traffickers instead of preventing them. The government is holding some accountable, though, recently leveling charges at four top military officials. It could lead to one of the highest-profile corruption cases in recent history.
Calderon, who belongs to the right-wing National Action Party, will be replaced by Enrique Pena Nieto, a member of the rival Institutional Revolutionary Party.
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