World News

Mexico’s opposition vows to restore order to US relationship on December 28, 2023 at 11:14 am

Published

2 years ago

December 28, 2023

Mexico is heading into 2024 bracing for a divisive election that could determine how business is conducted with the United States for decades to come.

And there will be one in the U.S. too.

Ildefonso Guajardo, the top foreign policy adviser to the opposition alliance’s presidential candidate, Xóchitl Gálvez, told The Hill his camp wants to restore key elements of the bilateral relationship that have been degraded under President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.

“Today, unfortunately, basically the channels of communication have been concentrated directly in the executive and using as a channel of communication the U.S. ambassador in Mexico,” said Guajardo.

Over the first five years of his term, López Obrador has systematically concentrated political power in the presidency, weakening the judiciary and independent agencies through structural reforms and budget cuts.

That centralized vision of power has made it more difficult for individual agencies on either side of the border to manage bilateral affairs, according to Guajardo.

“The work that has to be done in detail by every agency is displaced to a second place rather than be part of the everyday agenda that has to manage such a complex relationship. Therefore, nothing moves unless there is a commitment made by the executive and … it becomes a bottleneck,” he said.

From the mid-1980s until former President Trump came to power in 2016, U.S.-Mexico affairs had moved toward a doctrine of compartmentalization, where each issue was siloed and dealt with at peer-to-peer levels between each government’s agencies. So, for example, law enforcement issues would not bleed into trade disputes or talks on migration.

That paradigm was shattered in 2019 when, amid United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) negotiations, Trump threatened tariffs on Mexican goods “until such time as illegal migrants coming through Mexico, and into our Country, STOP.”

López Obrador made a deal with Trump that allowed the implementation of policies such as the Migrant Protection Protocols, better known as “remain in Mexico,” and summary expulsions of migrants under Title 42.

Those two programs prompted the growth of refugee camps in northern Mexican cities, where humanitarian conditions quickly deteriorated.

Guajardo, who was Mexico’s lead USMCA negotiator and secretary of the economy under López Obrador’s predecessor, former President Enrique Peña Nieto, said a Gálvez government would return to compartmentalization, where a tariff threat would only elicit a reaction in the commercial space.

“I do believe that we will not get into this game of threats, in which you are threatening in one area of the relationship — call it migration, or call it security — vis-á-vis an action in a different area of the relationship,” said Guajardo.

“If the threat is against Mexican exports, well, we will lead with a response of the same magnitude that is allowed by our agreement against U.S. imports. I mean, in that hypothetical scenario, we will try to restore what we call the compartmentalization method of managing such a complex bilateral relationship.”

Though the U.S.-Mexico trade relationship is codified in the USMCA, and compartmentalization has allowed cooperation in other areas over the past 40 years, it’s still a profoundly asymmetric relationship.

That asymmetry has been made apparent by GOP presidential candidates, including Trump, who have threatened unilateral police or military action in Mexico to fight drug cartels.

Guajardo said both countries have complaints against the other in the fight against cartels, using the illicit smuggling of fentanyl north and of weapons and ammunition south as examples.

He added there’s a win-win scenario for collaboration against organized crime.

“But if there is a threat of using U.S. forces — it will not be accepted, never in Mexico, to allow a presence of U.S. military conducting direct operations, that’s impossible. But if that comes to that threat, we’ll respond with the specific same tools in the sector that the threat is being established.”

That scenario is unlikely, however, as it would crush the world’s largest country-to-country bilateral trade relationship, likely with deep repercussions in both economies.

And Guajardo said a Gálvez government will base its foreign policy on two “compasses” one focused on allying Mexico with global democracies and prioritizing human rights and personal liberties, and another embracing Mexico’s role as part of North America, politically and economically.

“Mexico is a part of North America, the future and prosperity of Mexicans and the strength of their sovereignty is depending on our capacity to build trust, and to really make very clear who our allies are,” said Guajardo.

“Mexico will definitely keep working with the rest of the world, working with Europe, working with Asia to our best advantage, but there should not be anybody mistaken that we have to behave in terms of our best interest in North American integration.”

That North American alliance could look very different depending on the results of federal elections in either country in 2024.

Mexico is on track to elect its first woman president — so far the only two candidates registered are Gálvez and Claudia Sheinbaum, López Obrador’s chosen successor.

Guajardo said a victory by Sheinbaum would lead Mexico away from its democratic allies.

“Unfortunately, the government, the government coalition, the only message in the campaign is that there will be the continuation of the same government actions that we have today,” he said.

Guajardo cited López Obrador’s efforts to concentrate power in the presidency, weakening institutions like the independent electoral authority.

“So that by itself [is a] sign that should be very worrisome for our neighbors,” he said.

“We don’t have to imagine anything. The direction is government is taking is towards concentrating power in the presidency and destroying the building of institutions that it has taken us at least 30 years to build.”

The Trump administration welcomed López Obrador’s transactional, centralized approach, which allowed implementation of controversial migratory policies like Title 42 and the Migrant Protection Protocols, better known as “remain in Mexico.”

The Biden administration has followed suit, drawing little attention to labor, energy and environmental concerns that could elicit USMCA consequences, while holding direct talks with López Obrador on migration. In the lead-up to Christmas, Biden and López Obrador discussed upping Mexico’s immigration enforcement, and López Obrador asked Biden to soften sanctions on Cuba in return.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall are scheduled to meet López Obrador in Mexico City Wednesday to continue talks on migration.

The Biden administration has largely stayed mum on the Mexican opposition’s warnings of democratic backsliding, instead prioritizing a working relationship with López Obrador.

Sheinbaum currently leads Gálvez in most polls, and opposition leaders have decried what they say is undue and illegal interference by the government in the early stages of the campaign as the opposition faces a steep uphill battle to dethrone López Obrador’s party.

Political pressures in both countries are rising as 2024 approaches. Mexico’s election will take place in June and López Obrador, who is constitutionally barred from seeking reelection to a second six-year term, is due to hand over power to his successor in September.

Guajardo said this election could determine whether Mexico returns to a single-party system with deep government participation in the economy — a system set in place after the Mexican Revolution that lasted until 2000 — or whether it will return to a democratic route.

“Unfortunately, the elections of both countries are running on the same year, every 12 years that happens. And unfortunately, decision making becomes very short-term decisions, looking at only the short term,” said Guajardo.

“But this time around, all the agents involved or everybody involved in this should be looking at the long term effects. And therefore I do believe that this election is not business as usual. In this election we are definitely making a very important decision to change the direction the country is taking today.”

Mexico is heading into 2024 bracing for a divisive election that could determine how business is conducted with the United States for decades to come. And there will be one in the U.S. too. Ildefonso Guajardo, the top foreign policy adviser to the opposition alliance’s presidential candidate, Xóchitl Gálvez, told The Hill his camp wants…

Business

GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT RETURNS FOR ITS 5TH EDITION AT THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT – HOUSE OF LORDS, PALACE OF WESTMINSTER

Published

3 weeks ago

May 16, 2026

Bolanle Media Staff

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Theme: “People, Planet, and Profit in the Age of AI and Innovation”

London, United Kingdom — The Global Sustainability Summit (GSS) is officially back for its landmark 5th Edition, continuing its legacy as one of the leading international platforms driving sustainable development, climate action, ethical investment, innovation, and global collaboration.

Convened annually at the prestigious British Parliament, House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, by Ambassador Canon Chinenem Otto, the Summit has, over the last four years, successfully fostered international dialogue and partnerships that have contributed to the advancement of global sustainability goals, the establishment of sustainability-focused ministries, departments and policy structures across national and subnational governments, and the attraction of major investors into sustainable development projects, corporations and emerging economies.

This year’s summit, themed “People, Planet, and Profit in the Age of AI and Innovation,” will explore how emerging technologies, responsible leadership, sustainable finance, innovation, and global partnerships can shape a more inclusive, resilient and environmentally conscious future.

The 5th Edition promises to be the most impactful yet, bringing together world leaders, policymakers, diplomats, investors, academics, innovators, climate experts and youth leaders from across the globe to discuss actionable solutions toward achieving a sustainable and equitable future.

Among the distinguished speakers, delegates and honorees already lined up for the Summit are:

• His Excellency Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq — Executive Governor of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum

• His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Otu — Executive Governor of Cross River State, Nigeria

• Ambassador Patricia Espinosa Cantellano — Former Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Former Foreign Minister of Mexico

• Lord Marvin Rees, Baron Rees of Easton OBE — Member of the House of Lords, United Kingdom

• Hon. Neema K. Lugangira — Secretary-General of Women Political Leaders (WPL), Brussels and Former Member of Parliament

• Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah — President of the Republic of Namibia

• His Excellency Nangolo Mbumba — Former President of Namibia

• Former President of Tanzania

• Her Excellency Ambassador Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq — First Lady of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairperson of Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum

• Your Excellency Dr. Dikko Umar Radda, PhD, CON — Executive Governor of Katsina State and Chairman of the Northwest Governors Forum, Nigeria

• Hon. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma — Governor of Khomas Region, Namibia

• H.E. Mr. Veiccoh Nghiwete — High Commissioner of the Republic of Namibia to the United Kingdom

• Her Excellency Ms. Macenje “Che Che” Mazoka — High Commissioner of Zambia to the United Kingdom

• Ms. Danielle Newman — Partner Lead, ICT, World Economic Forum

• Leanne Elliott Young — Co-founder, Institute of Digital Fashion & CommuneEast

• Ms. Chloe Russell — Producer & Presenter, Art, Science and Nature

• Professor Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger — University of Cambridge & University of Waterloo

• Dr. Alexandra R. Harrington — IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law (WCEL)

• Professor Payam Akhavan — Massey College, University of Toronto

• Mr. Mallai C. E. Sathya — President, Dravida Vetri Kazhagam and International Movement for Tamil Culture Asia

The Summit will feature high-level panel discussions, strategic investment conversations, sustainability awards, policy dialogues, innovation showcases, youth engagement sessions and international networking opportunities focused on climate resilience, ethical financing, food-water-energy sustainability, circular economy, artificial intelligence, diplomacy and sustainable development.

Speaking ahead of the Summit, Convener Ambassador Canon Chinenem Otto noted:

“As the world rapidly evolves through artificial intelligence and technological innovation, we must ensure that sustainability remains people-centered, environmentally responsible and economically inclusive. The Global Sustainability Summit continues to serve as a bridge connecting governments, institutions, innovators and investors to accelerate practical sustainability solutions globally. Our fifth edition is not only a celebration of progress made over the years, but also a renewed call for global collaboration and actionable impact toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and Net Zero ambitions.”

The Global Sustainability Summit continues to position itself as a catalyst for transformative partnerships and sustainable global progress, reinforcing the urgent need for collective action toward a more resilient and sustainable future.

More announcements regarding additional speakers, partners and summit activities will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

News

US May Completely Cut Income Tax Due to Tariff Revenue

Published

6 months ago

November 30, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

President Donald Trump says the United States might one day get rid of federal income tax because of money the government collects from tariffs on imported goods. Tariffs are extra taxes the U.S. puts on products that come from other countries.

What Trump Is Saying

Trump has said that tariff money could become so large that it might allow the government to cut income taxes “almost completely.” He has also talked about possibly phasing out income tax over the next few years if tariff money keeps going up.

How Taxes Work Now

Right now, the federal government gets much more money from income taxes than from tariffs. Income taxes bring in trillions of dollars each year, while tariffs bring in only a small part of that total. Because of this gap, experts say tariffs would need to grow by many times to replace income tax money.

Questions From Experts

Many economists and tax experts doubt that tariffs alone could pay for the whole federal budget. They warn that very high tariffs could make many imported goods more expensive for shoppers in the United States. This could hit lower- and middle‑income families hardest, because they spend a big share of their money on everyday items.

What Congress Must Do

The president can change some tariffs, but only Congress can change or end the federal income tax. That means any real plan to remove income tax would need new laws passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. So far, there is no detailed law or full budget plan on this idea.

What It Means Right Now

For now, Trump’s comments are a proposal, not a change in the law. People and businesses still have to pay federal income tax under the current rules. The debate over using tariffs instead of income taxes is likely to continue among lawmakers, experts, and voters.

News

Epstein Files to Be Declassified After Trump Order

Published

6 months ago

November 20, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing federal agencies to declassify all government files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier whose death in 2019 continues to fuel controversy and speculation.

The order, signed Wednesday at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, instructs the FBI, Department of Justice, and intelligence agencies to release documents detailing Epstein’s network, finances, and alleged connections to high-profile figures. Trump described the move as “a step toward transparency and public trust,” promising that no names would be shielded from scrutiny.

“This information belongs to the American people,” Trump said in a televised statement. “For too long, powerful interests have tried to bury the truth. That ends now.”

U.S. intelligence officials confirmed that preparations for the release are already underway. According to sources familiar with the process, the first batch of documents is expected to be made public within the next 30 days, with additional releases scheduled over several months.

Reactions poured in across the political spectrum. Supporters praised the decision as a bold act of accountability, while critics alleged it was politically motivated, timed to draw attention during a volatile election season. Civil rights advocates, meanwhile, emphasized caution, warning that some records could expose private victims or ongoing legal matters.

The Epstein case, which implicated figures in politics, business, and entertainment, remains one of the most talked-about scandals of the past decade. Epstein’s connections to influential individuals—including politicians, royals, and executives—have long sparked speculation about the extent of his operations and who may have been involved.

Former federal prosecutor Lauren Fields said the release could mark a turning point in public discourse surrounding government transparency. “Regardless of political stance, this declassification has the potential to reshape how Americans view power and accountability,” Fields noted.

Officials say redactions may still occur to protect sensitive intelligence or personal information, but the intent is a near-complete disclosure. For years, critics of the government’s handling of Epstein’s case have accused agencies of concealing evidence or shielding elites from exposure. Trump’s order promises to change that narrative.

As anticipation builds, journalists, legal analysts, and online commentators are preparing for what could be one of the most consequential information releases in recent history.