Mexico leftist vows to form parallel government

Parallel inauguration?
Lopez Obrador’s plan is to have his government help the poor, oppose privatizations and make the news media — which he has accused of ignoring him — more “truthful and objective.”

It’s not clear how he plans to do that, but his supporters are already planning to hold an alternative swearing in ceremony to rival the official inauguration on Dec. 1.

People close to Lopez Obrador say he is assuming the role of his hero, 18th century President Benito Juarez, who led a roving, “unofficial” presidency from 1863 to 1867 during the French invasion, before driving out the invaders and executing the French-installed Emperor Maximilian.

“Juarez ran the government from a carriage and restored the republic,” said Rosario Ibarra, a human rights activist who frequently shares the stage with Lopez Obrador at his rallies. “We just hope there won’t be any need to shoot anyone.”

So far, protesters have only scuffled with police. Some fear the movement could turn violent, although Lopez Obrador says it will remain peaceful.

The administration of President Vicente Fox hopes it will all just boil down to some fiery rhetoric and posturing.

“We think this is a symbolic, political act that has no validity in the affairs of state,” Fox’s spokesman, Ruben Aguilar, said Tuesday. Asked about Lopez Obrador’s plan to declare himself head of state, Aguilar noted that “in this country, everyone is free to say whatever they want.”

There is no question that Lopez Obrador is taking his “legitimate government” or “government in resistance” — the exact title has yet to be determined — very seriously.

Asked whether Lopez Obrador would wear some version of the presidential sash during his swearing-in ceremony, PRD spokesman Gerardo Fernandez accused reporters of poking fun at the candidate. He also upbraided those who spoke of plans for an “alternative government.”

“What Andres Manuel has suggested is not an alternative president,” Fernandez said. “It will be a legitimate government with a legitimate president.”

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