As governments around the world urge residents to stay indoors and practice ‘social distancing’ due to the coronavirus, Mexico’s Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has come under fire for staging huge rallies in spite of health risks.
While politicians in the neighboring US are cancelling rallies, holding crucial debates in empty halls with no audience, and ditching handshakes for elbow bumps or Namaste, Obrador, colloquially known as AMLO, has taken a drastically different approach – ramping up his public activities instead.
Obrador, who is currently touring southwestern Mexican state of Guerrero, could be seen shaking hands, taking selfies, hugging and even kissing his numerous supporters during stops in the cities of Marquelia, Cruz Grande and in the area of Costa Chica over the weekend.
ALMO has made no secret of his busy rallying schedule, posting an array of videos of his passionate interactions with his supporters on Twitter.
A video from Costa Chica shows him walking past the jubilant crowd shaking everyone’s hands and eagerly stopping for selfies with those willing. “People on the Costa Chica are excited and happy,” tweet’s caption reads.
Another footage posted on Sunday shows him addressing a huge crowd with from an impromptu podium set up in the middle of a sea of people.
“I had to get out of the truck several times. It is intense, but the affection of the people is comforting,” Obrador wrote.
Obrador’s ‘business-as-usual’ approach to rallies have sparked backlash online, with critics accusing him of putting his supporters at risk of contracting the virus, and setting a bad example in general.
“I voted for you. But don't be irresponsible at times of risk of contagion. Save yourself and set the example,” a follower wrote.
“What irresponsibility! It's not all about you, you must lead by example,” another chimed in.
By refusing to bring his campaigning to a halt or make adjustments to reduce the risk of the spread of the virus, Obrador appears to be at odds with the latest recommendations put out by the country's health ministry.
Also on rt.com Forget handshakes, time to Namaste: Trump & Prince Charles latest to embrace Indian greeting in #Covid era (VIDEOS)The ministry unveiled Sana Distancia (Healthy Distance) initiative on Saturday, which is, however, should take effect only in a week – starting March 23.
"It's social distancing, it's about distance to keep us healthy," the ministry said.
There have been 53 confirmed coronavirus cases in Mexico, with media reporting of at least one death resulting from the pandemic on Mexican soil. Local media reported that businessman Jose Kuri succumbed to the virus after returning from a trip to the US.
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Source : RT - Daily news
What social distancing? Mexican president defies Covid-19 concerns as he EMBRACES & SHAKES hands with 1000s at rallies (VIDEOS)
What social distancing? Mexican president defies Covid-19 concerns as he EMBRACES & SHAKES hands with 1000s at rallies (VIDEOS)
