Programs and Predictions

Here's a video of Calderón saying that the economy shrank by 9 percent in the first half of 2008. Why, then, does the Finance Secretariat refuse to update its fanciful projection of a 5.5 percent decline over the course of 2009, when no one is predicting a strong rebound until, at the earliest, 2010?

In the second half of the video, Calderón talks about a government financed plan to offer around $1,200 to any consumer who trades in a car built before 1999 for a new ride. The president than goes on to say somewhat sheepishly that although he drives a '93 Golf, it's still in "very good condition" so he has no plan to take advantage. 

While we're on the topic of the Mexican economy, here are three brief but expert opinions.