Enrique de la Madrid: “When Politics Divides, Perhaps Engineering Unites Us”

Web Editor

October 7, 2025

a man in a suit and tie sitting at a table with a microphone in front of him and a sign behind him,

Background and Relevance

Enrique de la Madrid Cordero, a prominent economic and political analyst, consultant, and advisor, recently emphasized the importance of infrastructure in fostering national unity during a meeting with the Mexican College of Civil Engineers (CICM). His statement highlights how engineering can transcend political ideologies and contribute to economic development.

The Role of Engineering in National Unity

In a time marked by global political, technological, and economic transformations, de la Madrid Cordero pointed out that engineering and infrastructure can serve as unifying forces for the nation. He stated, “When politics divides, perhaps engineering unites us, as projects have no party or color; they serve everyone.”

Addressing Challenges in Public Works

De la Madrid Cordero acknowledged that Mexico is undergoing a profound redefinition phase, questioning established pillars such as democracy, free markets, and trade. He warned that the main challenge is to tackle an economy with slower growth and fewer job opportunities.

  • State of Law in Public Works: The former director of Bancomext stressed the need to defend the rule of law and ensure fair, transparent bidding processes, accountability, and long-term planning in public works.
  • Infrastructure as a Strategic Pillar: Mauricio Jessurun Solomou, president of the XL Board of Directors of CICM, emphasized that engineers cannot remain passive amidst the current uncertainty. He urged engineers to adopt a proactive, responsible, and positive attitude focused on the common good.

Infrastructure as a Strategic Pillar

Adrián Lombardo Aburto, president of the CICM’s Ethics Council, reminded that Mexican civil engineering has historically thrived in adverse contexts and has always been a development driver.

“Infrastructure must respond to strategic planning with clear objectives that promote economic, social, and environmental development while ensuring transparency, clear rules, and legal security,” Lombardo Aburto declared.

Proposed Strategies for Sustainable Growth

De la Madrid Cordero proposed strategies to guide Mexico towards sustainable growth, including:

  • Clear Rules for Conciliation and Cooperation: Emphasize collaboration, especially among different levels of government.
  • Foster Entrepreneurship: Encourage entrepreneurial activities in favorable conditions.
  • Impulse Talent: Promote and develop human capital.
  • Adapt New Educational Models: Update education systems to meet current demands.

Key Questions and Answers

  1. What is the main idea of Enrique de la Madrid Cordero’s statement? De la Madrid Cordero believes that engineering and infrastructure can unite a nation divided by politics, transcending ideologies to contribute to economic development.
  2. What challenges does de la Madrid Cordero highlight in public works? He acknowledges the need to defend the rule of law, ensure fair bidding processes, and address slower economic growth with fewer job opportunities.
  3. What strategies does de la Madrid Cordero propose for sustainable growth in Mexico? He suggests establishing clear rules for cooperation, fostering entrepreneurship, impulsing talent development, and adapting new educational models.