Miguel Alemán Valdez: A Legacy of Leadership and Controversy

Miguel Alemán Valdez, the eldest son of Miguel Alemán González, was born in 1900 in Sayula, Veracruz. His father worked for the telegraph offices and ran a grocery store to support their family. In 1910, while Alemán González joined the revolution, Miguel sold and delivered milk in their village, focusing more on the armed conflict than his family.

In 1920, Miguel Alemán Valdez enrolled in the National Preparatory School in Mexico City, where he built lasting friendships that would shape his political career. Despite economic challenges, he pursued his education, studying law at the School of Jurisprudence in 1925. Alemán later became involved in politics, running for senator in Veracruz in 1935.

After supporting President Lázaro Cárdenas and establishing key political connections, Miguel Alemán Valdez was chosen as the gubernatorial candidate for Veracruz. He played a significant role in Manuel Ávila Camacho's presidential campaign, employing controversial tactics like ballot stuffing and voter intimidation. Alemán's loyalty was rewarded with the position of Secretary of Governance.

As Secretary of Governance, Miguel Alemán Valdez promoted tourism, which directly benefited his real estate investments. His close ties to Manuel Ávila Camacho led to his nomination as the successor for the presidency. Alemán's strategic alliances and business acumen solidified his position in a political landscape dominated by the Party of the Revolution.

Miguel Alemán became the President of Mexico on December 1, 1946, with a focus on economic progress under a capitalist system. His cabinet comprised university-educated individuals, and during his term, significant infrastructure projects like the Mexico-Cuernavaca highway and railway extensions were completed. Alemán's administration also saw the construction of dams and other industrial infrastructure, leading to unprecedented economic growth in Mexico.

During Miguel Alemán's presidency, Mexico City underwent significant urban development, becoming cosmopolitan and experiencing exponential growth. The elite of the era settled in luxurious areas like the Pedregal neighborhood, near the emblematic Ciudad Universitaria. The city flourished with important avenues like Viaducto, División del Norte, and Insurgentes, reflecting a period of prosperity and modernization.

While economic progress thrived under Miguel Alemán's administration, so did corruption. Many of Alemán's friends enriched themselves through public works and concessions, leading to a form of 'capitalism of friends.' The government responded harshly to criticism, such as when the magazine Presente exposed corruption, resulting in the suspension of paper supplies to the publication.

As Miguel Alemán's government distanced itself from leftist ideologies, relations with the United States improved. President Truman visited Mexico, and Alemán reciprocated by traveling to Washington and New York, receiving a warm welcome from thousands of people. This shift in foreign policy marked a period of closer ties between Mexico and the US.

Towards the end of his term, Miguel Alemán considered the possibility of reelection but ultimately chose to perpetuate his power by selecting a successor. He initially contemplated appointing a friend as his successor but eventually opted for his efficient Secretary of Governance, Adolfo Ruiz Cortines. Alemán's legacy was marked by material and industrial progress, although critics viewed it as a distraction from underlying political issues.

After leaving the presidency, Miguel Alemán focused on academia, serving as a member and treasurer of the Academy of the Spanish Language. He also contributed to the tourism sector as the President of the National Tourism Council. Alemán suffered a heart attack and passed away in Mexico City on May 14, 1983, leaving behind a complex legacy of economic development and political controversies.