Was Felipe Calderón A Good President

Was Felipe Calderón a Good President? Let's Dish the Dirt (and the Data)

Alright, folks, let's dive into the presidential pool and take a splash at answering that question. We're not going to bore you with a history lesson here, but we will serve up a healthy dose of facts with a side of fun. So, grab your metaphorical chips and salsa, and let's get this fiesta started.

First Things First: The Economy

Imagine the economy as a giant piñata. Calderón swung at it with his policies, and out popped some sweet treats, but also a few sour ones. On the sweet side, we had growth. Mexico's GDP increased by an average of 2.4% during his term. That's like finding a big, juicy candy bar in your piñata! But, the global recession in 2009 gave us a swift kick in the pants, and growth slowed down. It's like finding a rock when you were hoping for more candy.

He also introduced a tax reform, which was about as popular as a root canal. But, it did help reduce inequality, so there's that. Think of it like eating your vegetables - you might not love it, but it's good for you.

Security: The Drug War That Wasn't So Fun

Now, let's talk about the drug war. Calderón declared it in 2006, and it was about as enjoyable as a root canal without anesthesia. He sent in the military to fight the cartels, but the violence skyrocketed. It's like trying to put out a fire with gasoline - it just made things worse. By the end of his term, the homicide rate had doubled. Ouch!

However, it's important to note that the violence was already on the rise before Calderón took office. It's like blaming the waiter for the spilled salsa when the table was already wobbly.

1,071 Vicente Calderón Stock Photos, High-Res Pictures, and Images

Education and Infrastructure: Building a Better Mexico

Calderón did manage to build some bridges, both literally and figuratively. He invested in infrastructure, which was like giving Mexico a much-needed facelift. Highways, airports, and even a new airport in Mexico City - he was on a building spree!

He also expanded education programs, like "Oportunidades" (now known as "Prospera"), which provided scholarships and cash transfers to poor families. It's like giving a kid a book instead of a box of chocolates - it might not seem as exciting, but it's way better for them in the long run.

"México es distinto y mejor", dice Calderón en su despedida como

Environment: A Breath of Fresh Air?

Calderón planted more trees than any other president. That's like having a personal gardener who only plants trees - not a bad deal, right? He also created new protected areas and strengthened environmental laws. But, he also supported some controversial energy reforms that had environmentalists up in arms. It's like ordering a veggie burger, but then asking for a side of fries cooked in lard.

So, Was Calderón a Good President or Not?

Well, folks, it's like asking if you like pizza. It depends on what toppings you're into. Calderón had his hits and misses. He left Mexico with a stronger economy but also with a lot of violence. He invested in education and infrastructure, but he also made some questionable environmental decisions.

In the end, it's up to you to decide if Calderón was a good president. Was he a delicious slice of pizza, or a burnt crust you'd rather toss in the trash? The choice is yours. Now, who's ready for some real chips and salsa?