Hi, I am Caroline Doyle, an associate editor at Horizon Engage. This week, we’re covering some recent shifts in (political) power sources:
- Mexican President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum selected Victor Rodriguez as Pemex’s next CEO.
- An Indian state chief minister is trying to show PM Modi is not the only one who can make big strides in clean energy.
- The tense power struggle over Libya’s Central Bank continues to become increasingly precarious.
This week’s Quote of the Week is also on theme: the now-former Managing Director of Namibia’s National Petroleum Company, Immanuel Mulunga, weighed on his dismissal.
Mexico: Sheinbaum Picks Next Pemex CEO
On 26 August, President-Elect Claudia Sheinbaum appointed Victor Rodriguez as Pemex’s next CEO. With a PhD in economics, he brings a strong technical background to the role, a marked departure from his predecessor and AMLO’s favored approach.
Rodriguez, heavily committed to leftist principles, has emphasized the need to advance Mexico’s energy transition and correct what he perceives as excessive neoliberalism with a state-centered energy strategy. His ability to collaborate with Finance Minister Rogelio Ramirez will be crucial for the NOC’s success. Luckily, Ramirez views Rodriguez’s expertise favorably.
India: Tamil Nadu Makes Green H2 Power Play
Last week, MK Stalin, the Soviet-sounding but very much Indian chief minister of southern Tamil Nadu state, announced plans for India’s first facility to produce large-scale green hydrogen molecules. Tamil Nadu will partner with Japan and Singapore on the project. This is the first time a state government has overseen an energy agreement with foreign partners.
Stalin is a prominent rival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi; he wants to demonstrate that it is not just Modi and the ruling BJP who can make waves in clean energy. We’re waiting to see if Stalin announces any other initiatives or if he is just seizing an opportunity to get a leg up on Modi.
Battle Over Libya’s Central Bank Continues
The governor of Libya’s Central Bank (CBL), Sadiq al-Kabir, continues to face intense attempts to oust him. The Tripoli-based Presidential Council (PC) enacted a House of Representatives (HoR) resolution to try and replace Kabir — who has held the role since 2011 — with Mohammed al-Shukri.
The PC runs into two hurdles. First, Kabir’s relationship with the HoR has improved since they last tried to get rid of him, largely due to their shared distaste for Government of National Unity Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dabaiba. Second, Shukri stated he would only accept the position if the HoR and the High State Council agreed, which is highly unlikely. Though Kabir remains in his position, the situation at the CBL is increasingly unstable.
Quote of the Week
Earlier this month, the board of Namibia’s National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia fired Managing Director Immanuel Mulunga, less than 48 hours after his acquittal in a fraud case they brought against him. Mulunga responded by saying:
“We are going to respond. It’s unheard of. It was clearly premeditated in the event I was going to be found not guilty.”
Interested in receiving On Our Radar direct to your inbox? Subscribe below.
About Horizon Engage
Horizon Engage provides country-level analysis on political, social and environmental issues that impact the investment climate for foreign direct investors. We’re changing the game for our clients by merging tech and geopolitical expertise in a whole new way. Let us be your eyes and ears so you can make decisions with confidence. Learn what we do.
