López Obrador’s final briefing: music, gifts, and farewells
President highlights achievements, gifts watch, and plans retirement in final briefing
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador transformed his final morning briefing into a lively event, featuring live music, breakfast, and a raffle where he gifted his watch to a journalist. “I dedicated myself to serve the people,” the 70-year-old leader said. “I leave very satisfied to have the affection of many Mexicans.” Hundreds of enthusiastic supporters, along with mariachis, gathered outside the National Palace to celebrate him.
Despite his high approval ratings and congressional majorities, López Obrador refrained from proposing any constitutional changes to allow a second six-year term, unlike some other Latin American leaders. However, he did implement significant constitutional reforms for the judiciary and the National Guard before his term ended.
Monday marked his 1,438th morning briefing, a practice he introduced to increase presidential accessibility. Known as “las mañaneras,” these briefings set the day’s agenda and allowed journalists to pose questions, though López Obrador often chose which topics to address.
El presidente López Obrador dijo que se puede decir misión cumplida. Esto a horas de dejar el cargo. pic.twitter.com/50p8QCy2XH
— Fuerza Informativa Azteca (@AztecaNoticias) September 30, 2024
In his final briefing, he highlighted his achievements, particularly noting that someone on minimum wage can now buy twice as many tortillas and eggs as before due to his efforts to increase wages and control inflation.
After the briefing, some reporters, who had become regular attendees and supporters of López Obrador, gave interviews and shouted their wishes to give the president parting gifts or take final selfies. The journalist who won his watch leaped from his seat when his name was announced.
Following Tuesday’s inauguration, López Obrador plans to retire to his ranch in Chiapas, as he has promised many times, and withdraw from public life.
What Other Media Are Saying
- WNKY reports on Mexico’s President Andrés Manuel López Obrador hosting a unique final day in office, featuring live music, breakfast, and a raffle to engage the public.(read more)
- Yahoo. In his final press conference, President López Obrador raffles his watch to raise funds, showcasing his unique fundraising approach in his final days in office.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What did López Obrador do during his final morning briefing?
He hosted live music, breakfast, and a raffle to gift his watch to a journalist.
How did López Obrador describe his time as president?
He said he dedicated himself to serve the people and felt satisfied with their affection.
Did he seek a second term?
No, despite high approval ratings, he never proposed changing the constitution for a second term.
What were ‘las mañaneras’?
‘Las mañaneras’ were López Obrador’s morning briefings that set the day’s agenda and allowed journalists to ask questions.
What are López Obrador’s plans after leaving office?
He plans to retire to his ranch in Chiapas and leave public life.
