New directions for Mexico

Political figures central to Mexican future slated to speak

11 OCTOBER 00 | In a stunning rejection of the party and political system that had ruled their country for 70 years, Mexican voters elected opposition candidate Vicente Fox as president July 2.

As part of its ongoing effort to better understand transformations of Mexican society highlighted by the election, the Center for Latin American Studies is hosting a lecture series featuring five key figures instrumental in shaping Mexico's future. The four remaining lectures are:

Friday, Oct. 13, 4 p.m. 145 McCone Hall

Elba Esther Gordillo, a former PRI senator and a past general secretary of the largest labor organization in Latin America, the Mexican teachers' union.

Wednesday, October 18, 4 p.m. 145 McCone Hall

"Reflections on Mexico's Transition"
Amalia Garcia, a former senator, is the national president of the Partido de la Revolución Democratica, and the first woman to head a major political party in Mexico.

Friday, Oct. 20, 4 p.m. Home Room, International House

"Challenges of the Transition"
Adolfo Aguilar Zinser, senior adviser and coordinator for foreign policy to President-elect Fox during the transition period.

Thursday, Oct. 26, 4 p.m. 145 McCone Hall

"Chiapas and the Future of Mexico"
Pablo Salazar, governor of Chiapas, elected under a broad opposition alliance that included both the PRD and PAN parties. For information, see the center's Web site at (www.clas.berkeley.edu/clas).