Mexico Unveils New Security Strategy Details; Millions for Jobs, Schools Associated Press
go to original February 12, 2013

Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto has launched a crime-prevention plan to have "a country at peace," for which, he says, participation by all of society is indispensable. (EFE)

MEXICO CITY - Mexico says it will spend $9.2 billion this year to prevent violence through social programs instead of attacking criminals with military and police operations.

The 2-month-old government of President Enrique Pena Nieto has frequently declared its intent to abandon the militarized strategy of his predecessor. But it offered virtually no details before Tuesday's announcement.

Pena Nieto and Interior Secretary Miguel Angel Osorio Chong say they will direct spending toward 251 municipalities hard-hit by violence. Measures include job creation through infrastructure projects, and increases in school hours.

Osorio Chong says "This is the first state policy that puts the citizen, and our youth, at the centre of security." The first two months of Pena Nieto's presidency have been marked by continuing high violence, and a series of headline-grabbing crimes.
 

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