Mexico’s president, a fierce press critic, offers benefits to journalists

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador speaks for the duration of a information meeting at the Nationwide Palace in Mexico Town, Mexico April 6, 2022. Mexico Presidency/Handout by way of REUTERS

MEXICO Metropolis, April 6 (Reuters) – President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Wednesday claimed his authorities would channel a quarter of its publicity funds into paying out for well being insurance policy and pensions for poorer journalists, a go that may well have an effect on the cash flow of Mexico’s standard media.

The announcement arrived a working day just after a report by freedom of expression rights team Post 19 reported that violence towards the media rose by 85% in the to start with a few a long time of Lopez Obrador’s administration in comparison to the identical period of time beneath his predecessor. go through extra

Lopez Obrador has had a fractious marriage with important news shops, accusing many of the biggest names in domestic and international media of siding with his “conservative” adversaries. In 2019, he introduced a 50% cut in govt marketing spending.

Soon right before Lopez Obrador promised to provide about 750 million pesos ($37 million) for journalists, he introduced yet another broadside against a popular reporter who has printed a collection of critical tales about him, questioning his wealth.

The leftist leader stated the new money were being earmarked for journalists who are often badly compensated and reside precariously.

“It’s unfortunate that quite a few who get the job done as journalists conclusion up with absolutely nothing, without the need of health-related treatment, and we want to ensure social safety,” Lopez Obrador explained.

The new software would be connected to Mexico’s social safety institute and also deal with journalists’ family members, he extra.

The program could strike revenues at Mexico’s common media. In 2020, 10 huge organizations received some 52% of the whole federal government marketing spending plan, in accordance to Article 19.

($1 = 20.0048 Mexican pesos)

Reporting by Drazen Jorgic and Valentine Marie Hilaire Editing by Sandra Maler

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