Word: madrid
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...endless traffic snarl and dutifully stopping at every traffic light. Finally, about 30 minutes later, it would arrive at the massive and ornate National Palace. A short, handsome figure with graying hair at his temples would emerge: it was the new President of Mexico, Miguel de la Madrid Hurtado. Unlike his predecessor, José López Portillo, who commuted to the National Palace by flag-waving motorcade or helicopter, De la Madrid suffered the same delays and irritations as his fellow citizens...
Another sign of change that all Mexico noted came when De la Madrid held his first meeting with the 30 Justices of the Supreme Court. By tradition, the Justices are supposed to walk to the National Palace to offer their greetings to the incoming President. This time, De la Madrid walked to the Supreme Court building. When he arrived, he avoided speeches and ceremonies. Instead, he briefly informed the Justices of two changes he wanted in the Mexican constitution, changes that would make it easier to prosecute corrupt government officials...
Throughout his first week in office, as he assumed the powers he will hold as President of Mexico for the next six years, De la Madrid acted like a man eager to set a new tone. His aim: to impose austerity, efficiency and, above all, "moral renovation"-a euphemism for honesty-upon a nation battered by economic troubles and demoralized by the latter-day excesses of López Portillo...
...other country has a greater stake hi De la Madrid's success than the U.S. Never in more than a half-century has the U.S. faced even the faintest threat of political instability or hostility along either of its two long, undefended borders. That prospect, no matter how remote, has inspired a blend of acute concern and well-intentioned sympathy for Mexico's plight. Says U.S. Ambassador to Mexico John Gavin: "We want Mexico to be free, and we want Mexico to be prosperous. Why? Enlightened self-interest...
...days after his inauguration, De la Madrid asked the 400-member National Congress to broaden the government's powers to crack down on graft. He announced a sharp cut in government subsidies for such basic commodities as sugar and gasoline. He sent a draconian budget to the Congress, calling for a $ 12 billion, or 50%, cut in the budget deficit for 1983. He also proposed an ambitious plan for government decentralization to help prevent urban paralysis in Mexico City, one of the world's most congested (pop. 16 million) and polluted capitals. The President then made a whirlwind...