Introduction
The argument for the “new Santa Fe” on the grounds of the current Benito Juárez International Airport (AICM) crumbles easily when faced with undeniable facts. The burden on Claudia Sheinbaum’s government is having to defend the decisions made by Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s ineffective administration, which goes against common sense, scientific thought, and the possibility of fully developing her own style of governance.
The Controversial NAIM Project
The Nuevo Aeropuerto Internacional de México (NAIM) in Texcoco, initiated by the previous administration of Enrique Peña Nieto, was controversial and eventually canceled by López Obrador’s incoming government. The project was 40% complete and clearly addressed the AICM’s congestion issue. However, it was replaced with a more expensive alternative that has been underutilized, symbolizing the implications of López Obrador’s group being in power.
The Corruption Claim
The cancellation of the NAIM was justified by López Obrador’s administration based on alleged corruption. However, no evidence or prosecutions resulted from these claims, which were never substantiated.
Seven Years Later
Seven years after the cancellation, technical arguments against building on the NAIM site have also fallen apart. Sheinbaum now echoes López Obrador’s simplistic reasoning, suggesting a “new Santa Fe” on AICM land for private residential and office developments.
Fact-Checking the “New Santa Fe” Claim
Sheinbaum’s assertion is easily debunked with these facts: the NAIM was set to open by 2020, at the latest 2022. Who were the President and Mexico City’s Head of Government during those years? Who made decisions regarding these federally-owned lands?
This argument, though lacking reason, is the official narrative. Similar unfounded arguments were used to destroy the Maya Jungle with a solitary, subsidized train; to build an expensive and useless refinery; and even to abolish Daylight Saving Time.
Security: The Only Success
The current administration has had to address the incompetence of López Obrador’s term mainly in security matters. This progress was made possible by the unsustainability of the previous situation, external pressure, and the presence of capable officials like Omar García Harfuch in key positions.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Who was the President of Mexico and the Head of Government of Mexico City during the NAIM project’s intended completion? A: The President was likely Andrés Manuel López Obrador, and the Head of Government was Claudia Sheinbaum.
- Q: What was the state of the NAIM project when it was canceled? A: The project was 40% complete and addressed the AICM’s congestion issue.
- Q: What has been the outcome of replacing the NAIM with an alternative project? A: The new project has proven to be more expensive and underutilized.
- Q: What other projects has the López Obrador administration pursued with unfounded arguments? A: These include the destruction of the Maya Jungle with a solitary train, building an expensive and useless refinery, and abolishing Daylight Saving Time.
