The Porfiriato Opposition
Towards the end of Díaz’s time in power, he spoke in an interview with Pearson’s Magazine, a popular US publication, and stated that he thought Mexico was ready for democracy and he hoped to have serious opponents if he ran for the presidency in the 1910 election. The interview immediately encouraged potential candidates to announce their presidential candidacies. One of the men interested by the article was Francisco Madero. Madero was the son of one of Mexico’s wealthiest families. He studied political democracy in the United States and France and felt very strongly that it was the right move for the government of Mexico. Madero ultimately made the bold decision to run against Diaz in Mexico’s first free election in 1910.
‘“It is a mistake to suppose that the future of democracy in Mexico has been endangered by the long continuance in office of one President," he said quietly. “I can say sincerely that office has not corrupted my political ideals and that I believe democracy to be the one true, just principle of government, although in practice it is possible only to highly developed peoples. I can lay down the Presidency of Mexico without a pang of regret, but I cannot cease to serve this country while I live," he added.' -Excerpt from Díaz's interview with James Creelman, Pearson's Magazine
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