OPINION

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Photo: presidencia.gob.mx

By THÉRÈSE MARGOLIS

While the rest of the world is gearing up to face the ominous threat of the highly mutated Omicron variant of the covid-19 virus, here in Mexico, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) is preparing to host a massive, come-one-come-all celebration of his third year in power at the capital’s main square Zócalo on Wednesday, Dec. 1.

While openly encouraging as many Mexicans as possible to squeeze their way into the Zócalo to hear his celebratory address, the president made it known on Tuesday, Nov. 30, that the use of face masks during the event — which is expected to exceed more than 100,000 attendees and to last way into the wee hours of the night — will be “optional.”

“Anyone who wants to wear a mask can do so, if they consider that a mask will protect them (from covid infection), they can do so,” he said when asked Tuesday, Nov. 30, about sanitary protocols for the public festivities.

“But we are opposed to authoritarian mandates, and there have not been and will not be any regulations on mask use or curfews.”

AMLO’s self-engrandizing party will also include one hour of live rumba music, along with other musical surprises, he said, and plenty of opportunities to dance and celebrate.

Some leaders fiddle while their kingdom burns, others dance the night away.