Alec Erwin vs Carlos Salinas de Gortari

Alec Erwin was appointed as South Africa's Minister of Trade and Industry under President Thabo Mbeki. He oversaw the country's trade policy during the post-apartheid era, implementing liberalization measures and negotiating trade agreements.

Erwin led negotiations for the South Africa-European Union Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement (TDCA). The agreement provided preferential trade access to EU markets for South African goods while phasing out tariffs over 12 years.

Erwin oversaw the implementation of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) policies in the trade and industry sector. These policies aimed to increase black ownership and management of South African businesses, though they faced criticism for benefiting a small elite.

Erwin resigned as Minister of Trade and Industry following President Mbeki's resignation. His departure marked the end of a 12-year tenure during which South Africa's trade policy shifted from protectionism to greater global integration.

Salinas privatized hundreds of state-owned companies, including the telephone monopoly Telmex, banks, and steel mills. The sales raised revenue but were criticized for lack of transparency and for concentrating wealth among a few billionaires.

President Carlos Salinas de Gortari negotiated and signed NAFTA with the United States and Canada, creating a free trade zone. The agreement, effective in 1994, aimed to boost investment and exports but also led to job losses in agriculture and manufacturing.

On January 1, 1994, the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN) launched an armed rebellion in Chiapas, protesting NAFTA and indigenous marginalization. The uprising exposed deep social inequalities and challenged Salinas's narrative of modernization.

After leaving office, Salinas faced corruption allegations and went into self-imposed exile in Ireland. His brother Ra