Mexico President-Elect: Lopez Obrador's victory signals start of new political era

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02:53

Mexico's President-Elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador is preparing for the governmental transition that will culminate in December when he assumes office. That road began Tuesday - with a trip to Mexico City's National Palace - and a meeting with the country's current leader. CGTN's Franc Contreras has more.

A meeting Tuesday, between the winner of Mexico's presidential election - Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador -- and the man he will replace, Enrique Nieto -- their first since Sunday's vote. Both men characterized the exchange as respectful.

They discussed the North American Free Trade Agreement, security issues and agreed that monetary policy under Mexico's Central Bank will remain the same. Lopez Obrador says his administration will focus on other changes.

ANDRES MANUEL LOPEZ OBRADOR PRESIDENT-ELECT OF MEXICO "There will be a real and profound change. As I've said it is going to be a radical change, but no one should be scared because the word radical comes from the word 'root.' What we are going to do is to uproot the corrupt regime of injustices and privileges."

Lopez Obrador, better known as AMLO, beat the second-place contender by more than 30 points. His Morena party and its coalition will also have a majority in both houses of Mexico's Congress.

AMLO says his government will work with the United States and Canada in an effort to rescue the North American Free Trade Agreement. And he says his government will not intervene when it comes to the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and Mexican peso.

Lopez Obrador wants to change what he calls a failed policy on security and drug violence. As a candidate, he said fighting poverty and inequality is the best approach to improving security.

Analyst Jorge Javier Romero says AMLO will inherit a weak economy that barely grows two percent each year, and a population that receives low salaries.

JORGE JAVIER ROMERO MEXICO CITY AUTONOMOUS METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY "So the challenge is huge. Of course, a salary increase policy must be set in motion to reactivate the domestic market even at the expense of short-term international competitiveness."

Lopez Obrador says he will meet with the U.S. Secretary of State to discuss bilateral relations between Mexico and the United States. He's already spoken by phone to President Trump, who called on Monday to congratulate his win.

And the president-elect of Mexico says he will be accountable for his performance in office - pledging to hold a referendum three years into his term, so Mexicans can vote on whether he deserves to finish out the final three years. FC, CGTN, Mexico City.