Social decay, drug abuse are main U.S. problems, says Mexican president

MEXICO CITY, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Tuesday the main problem facing the United States is social decomposition, which has led to widespread drug abuse among its youth.

At his usual daily press conference, the Mexican president urged the U.S. government to improve policies regarding the youth, and address the causes that lead to drug addiction and the use of narcotics such as fentanyl.

The drug crisis in the United States is linked to the "loss of values," Lopez Obrador told reporters at the National Palace in Mexico City.

"I think they began to forget about that, and individualism, materialism and consumerism began to predominate, and that is part of the crisis," said Lopez Obrador, adding it "is not an easy issue to resolve ... they must address the causes."

Unlike the United States, Mexico preserves many of its traditions and family values, which strengthen society, he said.

Lopez Obrador again called on the U.S. government to stop blaming Mexican migrants for its drug problems and address the "vacuum" left by family disintegration.