The only thing that is certain about departing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s daily news conference is that it will be lengthy—often lasting up to three hours. Other possible features include a live mariachi band, old Mexican movie footage, or a picture of a journalist receiving criticism for their reporting.
The mananera, which translates to “roughly of the morning,” is a powerful blend of political theatre and factual information that has become a pillar of Lopez Obrador’s administration, whose approval ratings of 60% and above are the envy of many Western politicians.
While most people are eating breakfast, the president handles crises, establishes the news agenda for the day, and eliminates opponents.
Now, assuming office on Tuesday, new President Claudia Sheinbaum will have to fill his shoes at the podium, which political observers predict could be a difficult undertaking given her far less impromptu approach. Sheinbaum can’t give up the mananera since it has become so ingrained in Mexican culture, but she can’t follow her mentor’s lead without being treated as a puppet.
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