As his leftist opponent leans towards Cuba, Mexico's presidential candidate seeks to strengthen ties with the US.

In June, Mexico will hold its first presidential election with two female candidates, Xóchitl Gálvez Ruiz from a center-right-left coalition and Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo from a leftist coalition.

The approaches of Galvez and Sheinbaum differ significantly; while Galvez seeks to strengthen the U.S. as the primary ally, Sheinbaum appears more inclined to follow the far-left ideology of the outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO).

Gálvez recently visited New York and Washington, D.C. to discuss her vision for Mexico and its future relationship with the U.S. with members of Congress, business leaders, and State Department officials.

During her visit, she discussed the border, immigration, fentanyl, organized crime, nearshoring, and the future of the T-MEC trade agreement with the U.S. She emphasized that, according to a Science journal study, organized crime is the fifth-largest employer in Mexico.

Gálvez responded to Planet Chronicle Digital's questions regarding the significant disparities between her and her opponent during a press conference upon her return to Mexico.

Mexico regains its democratic path, combats organized crime, reclaims its territory, and reduces violence, extortion, and provides legal certainty for businesses. As a result, Mexico and the U.S. establish a prosperous and secure relationship, leading to democratic stability in North America.

Mexico's democratic erosion has led to organized crime, military power, and insecurity, hindering growth and development in entire regions. Despite being a trade partner, Mexico is not a geopolitical ally of the U.S. Its populist government flirts with Russia and China, threatening to build new partnerships.

Some analysts question why the bilateral relationship has not progressed during AMLO's presidency and the Biden administration. Gálvez' response: "We are partners, but not allies."

If the ruling left-wing party wins again, neither immigration nor fentanyl will have long-term solutions. The problems of immigration and fentanyl require three things that the current government of Mexico and her candidate lack: a state strategy, institutional capacity, and a genuine willingness to collaborate.

Claudia Sheinbaum, the presidential candidate, only promises continuity and claims that Mexico is better than ever, despite evidence indicating otherwise.

Gálvez, who is currently behind in several polls, stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that the US has a fear of their customs agents allowing fentanyl to pass through, and they often complain about weapons being let through.

Sheinbaum has made it clear that, under her leadership, Mexico will adhere to the principles of "free self-determination of the people, non-intervention in the internal affairs of other countries and the peaceful resolution of conflicts," which means she will continue to employ the "hugs not bullets" strategy to avoid confronting drug cartels.

While Galvez views the Mexico-U.S. relationship as the most crucial, Sheinbaum prioritizes Latin America and has expressed support for the regimes of Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua. She has also stated that Mexico should never be submissive to the United States.

According to Alfredo Velasco, an economist and political analyst, to assess a candidate and their government program, it is crucial to evaluate their preparation, experience, and performance in previous positions or activities. Instead of focusing on campaign promises, it is essential to examine their achievements. Among the candidates in the campaign, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo stands out as the most prepared, having obtained master's and doctoral studies. Additionally, she has the most experience in public administration and has achieved significant milestones. Sheinbaum, the former mayor of Mexico City, is the one who has demonstrated the most experience and achievements.

While Claudia Sheinbaum has a diagnosis and a 100-point program to address the country's fundamental problems, Xóchitl Gálvez focuses her campaign on public insecurity, which is perhaps what worries the population the most.

Juan Hernández, a former cabinet member under President Vicente Fox, believes that Gálvez made it clear during her visit to the U.S. that if she wins, she will work with Washington to stop money going to drug traffickers and weapons going to Mexico. He notes that she did not blame the U.S. but emphasized the need for both countries to work together in a new way to address the issue. Hernández also highlights Gálvez's skills as a negotiator and her awareness of the human toll of fentanyl consumption in the U.S.

Hernández stated that there were multiple meetings with legislators, and their questions were genuine. She had an open conversation with them, addressing their inquiry about her stance on stopping the drug trade in Mexico. Hernández assured them that she would be resolute in her efforts and that both sides must collaborate in a new approach. She emphasized that legislators must contribute to this effort, as it cannot be achieved solely by Mexico.

Ildefonso Guajardo, the ex-minister of economy and international relations for Gálvez, disclosed to Planet Chronicle Digital that the tour aimed to "Arouse Washington!"

Gálvez shared her vision of Mexico's position in North America and its positioning in the world, as he said.

"She made it clear that her vision involves a return to global polarization, with two distinct compasses: one aligned with her values, where she identifies with governments that uphold human rights, promote freedom, and democracy. This compass is clearly not associated with countries that are autocracies or single-man governments. Her other compass is focused on Mexico's large border with the United States, where most of Mexico's economic interests lie, making this relationship of immense importance."

Questions sent to the presidential campaign of Claudia Sheinbaum were not returned.