AMLO Affirms 'War on Drugs' Failure as Cartel Influence in Politics Remains a Concern

Mexico City – President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has consistently characterized the traditional "war on drugs" strategy as a failure, advocating instead for his "hugs not bullets" approach. This stance comes amidst ongoing concerns regarding political violence and allegations of organized crime's deep-rooted influence within Mexican political structures. A recent social media post from "MissionLoco" on November 4, 2025, highlighted these tensions, claiming the President "shrugged off another politician’s murder, saying 'Mexico’s war on drugs was a failure.'"

President López Obrador has repeatedly stated that militarized confrontation with drug cartels, a hallmark of previous administrations, only exacerbated violence and corruption without achieving lasting peace. His "abrazos no balazos" (hugs not bullets) policy prioritizes addressing the socio-economic root causes of crime, such as poverty and lack of opportunities, through social programs and youth employment initiatives. This strategy marks a significant departure from past efforts, which often involved direct military engagements, sometimes with U.S. support.

The tweet's reference to "another politician's murder" underscores a grim reality in Mexico, where political assassinations, particularly at the municipal level, have become a persistent and concerning feature of electoral cycles. Reports from organizations like CNN and the BBC indicate that dozens of political candidates and officials have been killed in recent years, with criminal groups frequently implicated in these acts to intimidate or eliminate rivals and secure territorial control. These incidents highlight the severe challenges to democratic processes in regions impacted by organized crime.

Furthermore, the "MissionLoco" tweet's strong allegations about "cartel employees" and "cartel stooges" echo broader concerns documented by various analytical bodies. InSight Crime and Foreign Policy have reported extensively on how organized crime groups exert significant influence over local and state politics through violence, intimidation, and corruption. Cartels are known to finance political campaigns, coerce public officials, and engage in illicit activities to ensure impunity and control, posing a fundamental threat to Mexico's democratic institutions.