AMLO: The Legacy of an Era

Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s presidency is ending after six years in office, yet his political journey began nearly 50 years ago, in 1976, when he supported Carlos Pellicer’s Senate campaign in Tabasco.

López Obrador leaves a significant legacy that Claudia Sheinbaum must continue as she takes on the next phase of the “Fourth Transformation”. Here’s a brief timeline of his political trajectory:

AMLO Timeline

1988:

• Ran for governor of Tabasco under the National Democratic Front, a coalition of the Mexican Socialist Party, Democratic Current, Authentic Party of the Mexican Revolution, Cardenista National Reconstruction Front, and Popular Socialist Party.
• Published the book Tabasco, Victim of Fraud.
• Assumed the presidency of the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD) in Tabasco, creating a grassroots structure through committees in towns and neighborhoods.

1991:

• Led the “Exodus for Democracy” march from Tabasco to Mexico City.

1994:

• Ran for governor of Tabasco again, this time as the PRD candidate.

1995:

• Led a second “Exodus for Democracy,” aiming to prevent the privatization of Pemex. Pushed for the creation of a National Democratic Alliance.

1996:

• Took over as national president of the PRD until 1999.

1999:

• Published *FOBAPROA: Open Case*.
• As PRD president, annulled internal elections due to irregularities.

2000

Won the election and became Head of Government of Mexico City.

2000-2005

• As Head of Government, launched social programs: Universal Food Pension for the Elderly, Free School Supplies for public elementary school students, Support for People with Disabilities, Free Medical Care and Medicine, and support for the unemployed, rural producers, and small businesses.
• Founded the DF Higher Education Institute (IEMS) and the Autonomous University of Mexico City (UACM).
• Built the second level of the Periférico freeway, the “San Antonio” and “Ingeniero Heberto Castillo” interchanges, and several bridges.
• Inaugurated the first Metrobús lines.

2004

• Accused of disregarding a judicial order during the construction of a road in Santa Fe.

2005

• The majority in the Chamber of Deputies voted to strip him of his immunity. That same year, he took a leave of absence to run for president for the first time under the PRD.

2006

• During his campaign, he coined the slogan “For the good of all, the poor first.”
• After losing the election and alleging fraud, he contested the results. He launched the “Civil and Peaceful Resistance” movement, calling for a “vote-by-vote” recount and setting up a 47-day sit-in in Reforma and the Zócalo. He declared himself the Legitimate President and formed the “Alternative Nation Project.”

2007

• From January 4, 2007, to November 20, 2009, he toured the country in protest, visiting 2,452 municipalities.

2008

• Protested against the energy reform led by President Felipe Calderón, accusing him of privatizing Pemex. He led the Broad Progressive Front with the PRD, Labor Party, and Convergence.

2009-2011

• Through the Broad Progressive Front, advocated for an investigation into the shutdown of the Luz y Fuerza power company.
• Urged U.S. President Obama to veto Arizona’s controversial immigration law and called on Mexico’s Congress to debate labor reform proposals.

2012

• Ran for president again and led protests against the “Pact for Mexico,” leaving the PRD.

2013

• Continued to protest energy reforms and pushed for the consolidation of Morena as a political organization.

2014

• Morena became an officially registered political party.

2015

• As President of Morena’s National Council, achieved significant victories in midterm elections.

2016

• Continued nationwide tours, laying the groundwork for his third presidential campaign.

2017

• In November, he presented the “2018-2024 Alternative Nation Project,” the foundation for his campaign. He forged the “Together We’ll Make History” coalition with Morena, the Labor Party, and the Green Party for the 2018 election.

2018

• Won the presidency of Mexico.

2019

• Secured his first constitutional reform on labor issues.
• Started construction on the Dos Bocas refinery in Veracruz and the “Felipe Ángeles” International Airport in Mexico State.
• Launched three new social programs: Social Economy Promotion, Life Insurance for Female Heads of Household, and Planting Life.

2020

• Construction of two major infrastructure projects began: the Maya Train and the Isthmus of Tehuantepec Interoceanic Corridor.
• Created the Specialized Shelters Support Program for women and children victims of gender-based violence.

2021

• Launched the Microcredit for Well-being social program and passed labor outsourcing reforms.

2022

• Held a national referendum on his mandate, with 15 million people voting in favor of his continuation in office.
• Inaugurated the “Felipe Ángeles” Airport and the Dos Bocas refinery.

2023

• Rescued and relaunched Mexicana de Aviación. Opened operations at the “Megafarmacia.”

2024

• Submitted his final package of reforms, including pension reform, amnesty law reform, judicial reform, and National Guard reform.
• Inaugurated the first segment of the “El Insurgente” Interurban Train.

This timeline highlights key moments in López Obrador’s enduring influence on Mexican politics as he hands the torch to the next generation.

Contenido publicado originalmente en El Heraldo de México.