Mexico State of the Nation: Outgoing President Enrique Pena Nieto gives final speech to Congress

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Mexico's president listed his achievements and blamed rising crime rates on police in his final state-of-the-nation address. Outgoing President Enrique Pena Nieto will leave office after six years, with historically-low approval ratings. Mexico is grappling with economic problems, corruption scandals and gang-fueled violence. CGTN's Franc Contreras has more from Mexico City.

Surrounded by all the trappings of power, Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto delivered his sixth and final state of the nation address Monday.

Speaking before Mexican governors, congressional legislators, military officials and business leaders, Pena Nieto said his greatest achievement was passing sweeping reforms in a wide array of sectors, including electoral law, education and energy.

ENRIQUE PENA NIETOMEXICAN PRESIDENT "The goal is to make Mexico a more just and inclusive nation that is better prepared and prosperous. We are committed to helping solve the great global challenges. To achieve this, we have created a new development model, not just for this moment but for future generations."

Despite evidence of lackluster economic growth, Pena Nieto said during his term in office, his government achieved stability for all Mexicans. He said reaching a trade agreement with the Trump administration will provide Mexicans with more certainty.

Pena Nieto said his government will be remembered for overhauling its judicial system which now requires evidence and jury trials. Before, suspects were considered guilty and had to prove their innocence.

But critics say Mexican police and judges still do not know how to seize, preserve and process physical evidence in trials.

Leaders of the incoming government point to a murder rate that has hit record numbers in the final years of Pena Nieto's administration.

Pena Nieto's party lost a landslide election in July, largely on the perception that he and his administration are corrupt.

MARIO DELGADOMORENA PARTY LEADER "You are turning over a country in ruins. People are tired of living in fear amid growing violence."

President Pena Nieto, whose term ends in December, admitted that things are far from perfect. But he says those living in extreme poverty has improved by more than two million people.

After a nearly two-hour speech, Pena Nieto ended by thanking his wife and children and saying that serving Mexico has been the greatest honor of his life. FC, CGTN, Mexico City.