News Summary for October 7th, 2009

++ Mexico City is once again at the top of the list of people infected with the AH1N1 influenza virus, followed by Chiapas and Yucatán… The Health Secretariat said that 35,838 cases have been reported with 245 deaths…

++ Labor Secretary Javier Lozano said accusations by former Mexican Electricians Union leader Martín Esparza Flores, were “ridiculous.” According to Esparza Flores the federal government is seeking to privatize or do away with state run electricity firm Compañía de Luz y Fuerza del Centro.

++ Martín Esparza Flores accused PAN party chairman César Nava of interfering in the union election by backing Alejandro Muñoz… He said a demonstration was being planned…

++ Meanwhile, PAN president César Nava denied any involvement in the electricians union, known as the SME, conflict and denied having met with Alejandro Muñoz, who ran against Esparza Flores.

++ Interior Secretary Fernando Gómez Mont said local and federal governments will intervene in case Mexican Electricians Union demonstrations get out of hand.

++ President Felipe Calderón warned that the economic recovery being felt in Mexico will not be enough to resume the path of growth after huge drops in fiscal earnings.

++ The Federal Electoral Institute said its audit department did not find any illicit money in candidate reports filed by parties.

++ Federal District Public Security Secretary Manuel Mondragón said levels of crime and violence in Mexico City involving minors are “alarming.”

++ The Federal District Attorney General’s Office said no kidnappings were reported in September.

++ The National Water Commission urged politicians not to make a “political” issue out of water shortages but instead work together to seek to guarantee problems are resolved.