The mayor of Mexico City has resigned in order to pursue the presidency in next year's national elections.
Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who is seen as a champion of the poor, announced Friday to thousands of cheering supporters in the Mexican capital that he would fight to transform Mexico. He listed his numerous achievements as mayor, although some residents say he has not done enough to tackle crime in a city where kidnapping is rampant.
Mr. Lopez Obrador is known for social policies that include construction projects and government funding for single mothers, the elderly and the disabled.
The popular 51-year-old mayor leads public opinion polls ahead of the 2006 presidential race.
The election of Mr. Lopez Obrador would mark a clear change in direction from the free-market reforms supported by incumbent President Vicente Fox, who is limited to one term in office.
Some information for this report provided by Reuters and AP.
