Lopez Obrador sworn in as president of Mexico

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Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador was sworn in as Mexican president on Saturday, heralding a shift to the left in a country struggling to overcome gang violence, chronic poverty and disillusionment with the political class.

The President of the Congress Porfirio Munoz Ledo prepares the presidential sash on Mexico's new President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in Mexico City, December 1, 2018. /VCG Photo

The leader, widely known by his initials as "AMLO," took the oath of office and donned the presidential sash before Congress - where the three-party coalition led by the upstart party he founded in 2014, the leftist National Regeneration Movement party (Morena), now has strong majorities in both houses.

Ending 89 years of government by the same two parties, Lopez Obrador surged to victory promising a new approach to issues fueling widespread outrage among Mexican voters: crime, poverty and corruption.

Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador(R) walks next to outgoing former President Enrique Pena Nieto as they arrive at the National Palace for the presentation of Lopez Obrador´s new cabinet, August 20, 2018. /VCG Photo

"It might seem pretentious or exaggerated to say it, but today is not just the start of a new government. It is the start of a political regime change," the new president said.

"We will carry out a peaceful and orderly but also deep and radical transformation because we will put an end to the corruption and impunity that are blocking Mexico's rebirth," he added during the inauguration ceremony.

(Cover Photo: Mexico's new President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador waves during the inauguration ceremony. /VCG Photo)

Source(s): AFP