Without political will, without a radical prioritization of public health over corporate interests, Mexico will not emerge from the epidemiological emergency it is experiencing due to obesity and diabetes, deeply linked to soft drink consumption.
The reduction was announced after representatives from different parties complained about pressure from lobbyists to avoid imposing the tax on light beverages.
Despite resistance from Coca Cola and other private interests committed to destroying children’s health for profit, Mexico’s junk food ban has been implemented in 86% of the country’s schools.
“I used to practice private medicine, but it doesn’t solve the country’s health problem. A well-developed, strong public sector is needed,” says David Kershenobich, Mexican Secretary of Health.
The over one-hundred history of Coca Cola in Mexico is intertwined with predatory capitalism, petty gangsterism, neoliberal crisis, monopolies and water shortages. An interview with Bruce Hobson.
After 36 years of Mexican neoliberal governments prioritizing capital’s needs over people, every public medical institution had been destroyed.