September 10, 2007

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - People in Mexico have a clear idea of what their country’s most pressing concern is, according to a poll by Ipsos-Bimsa published by El Universal. 21 per cent of respondents think crime is the biggest problem facing the Latin American country.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - People in Mexico have a clear idea of what their country’s most pressing concern is, according to a poll by Ipsos-Bimsa published by El Universal. 21 per cent of respondents think crime is the biggest problem facing the Latin American country.

Corruption is next on the list of concerns with 10 per cent, followed by poverty and low wages with nine per cent each, and drug trafficking with six per cent.

When asked what the main cause of crime in Mexico is, 31 per cent of respondents cite poverty, while 25 per cent believe the country’s police forces are inadequate. Corruption is third on the list with 13 per cent, followed by bad decisions from the government with 10 per cent.

Mexican voters chose their new president in July 2006. Official results placed Felipe Calderón of the National Action Party (PAN) as the winner with 36.68 per cent of all cast ballots. Calderón—a former energy secretary—took over as Mexico’s head of state in December.

During his campaign, Calderón vowed to combat illicit drug trafficking and drug-related crime, as well as to boost Mexico’s economy. Since January, the president has placed more than 3,300 soldiers in northern areas as part of a crackdown against organized crime and illegal drug-trade operations.

Mexico City has become infamous over the past few years for its "express kidnappings"—a form of quick hostage-taking in which victims are forced to vacate their bank accounts from automated tellers at gunpoint.

On Sept. 5, Mexican foreign minister Patricia Espinosa said the country is working on creating a bi-national security cooperation partnership with the United States that will focus on fighting organized crime. Espinosa said delegates from both countries are negotiating the terms of the plan, saying, "We are trying to carry out actions, each one on its own territory. (...) It is a collaboration scheme that has equipment and officers that will come and boost our nation’s capacity to tackle this crime effectively."

Polling Data

What is the biggest problem facing Mexico right now?

Crime	21%
Corruption	10%
Poverty	9%
Low wages	9%
Drug trafficking	6%

What is the main cause of crime in Mexico?

Poverty	31%
Inadequate police forces	25%
Corruption	13%
Bad decisions from the government	10%

Source: Ipsos-Bimsa / El Universal

Methodology: Face-to-face interviews with 1,000 Mexican adults, conducted from Aug. 19 to Aug. 24, 2007. Margin of error is 3.5 per cent.