Mexico

Most Critical Event: 

Of all the issues that gain international media attention regarding Mexico, it seems that migration usually tops the list. In 2007, the most critical event with ramifications for countless families may have been what did not happen — the U.S. Senate’s failure to pass the Bush-backed immigration reform bill.
 
While this development was applauded by some in Mexico who took issue with portions of the bill, President Felipe Calderon was among those who criticized the bill’s demise, saying that the lack of reform worsens illegal immigration. Now, the debate over immigration continues in the U.S. presidential election, which will likely delay any future reform until at least 2009.

Most Influential Person: 

In the aftermath of Mexico’s disputed presidential election last year, Felipe Calderon assumed office on December of 2006 with questions still lingering regarding the legitimacy of the election, and thus of Calderon’s presidency.  While Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador led a popular grassroots movement that almost won him the presidency, it was the declared winner, Calderon, who bounced back and gained high approval ratings in 2007, thus gaining further influence.  In this, Calderon’s first full year in office, the new President attempted to take at least a few bold steps, including dispatching the military to tackle drug trafficking.

Most Influential Company: 

Televisa enjoys almost monopolistic dominance in Mexico. The largest media company in the Spanish-speaking world has grown so influential that a Mexican media law limiting new competition in the broadcasting arena was referred to as the “Televisa Law.” Mexico’s Supreme Court struck down the law in June, but at least for now, Televisa continues to hold 70% of the media market in Mexico, and much more of the Spanish-language programming in Latin America and the U.S.

Other notable candidates:

Telmex, the Mexican telecommunications company that owns 90% of the country’s phone lines, helped make Carlos Slim surpass Bill Gates as the world’s richest person for part of 2007.  This, however, was not exactly a source of pride throughout the country, where it served as a reminder of the great disparity between rich and poor in Mexico.

Wal-Mart isn’t a Mexican company, but it’s influence in Mexico has grown tremendously. The American retailer has enjoyed great success in Mexico, and though not popular in all quarters, it now accounts for half of all retail sales in the country.  Further expansion throughout Latin America is planned.

Most Unexpected Development: 

While the socially progressive laws coming out of Mexico City may not have been entirely unexpected to those who have been following city politics, they certainly took people around the world by surprise.  Mayor Marcelo Ebrard and the city’s legislative assembly passed laws legalizing abortion and civil unions.  While court challenges are ongoing, such moves by local officials are re-shaping Mexico City’s image.

Mayor Ebrard has also tackled quality of life issues, going so far as to build beaches and an outdoor ice skating rink while attempting to make the city more pedestrian and bicycle-friendly and also promising to toughen anti-smoking laws and bring free wireless Internet access to the entire city. Ebrard’s presidential aspirations are the subject of much speculation, but Mexico City’s emergence as a center of progressive politics, along with its thriving art scene, certainly made waves in 2007.

Best Quote: 

Mexican Director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, who was nominated for an Academy Award for his film, Babel, told the New York Times:

“It is interesting. Lately, foreign directors are better at making movies about America than Americans. Sometimes it is easier to see clearly when you have some distance. And nothing gives you perspective on America like being from Mexico.”