President of Mexico in 1985: Miguel de la Madrid

In 1985, Miguel de la Madrid Hurtado served as the President of Mexico. He held office from 1982 to 1988, a period marked by severe economic crisis, the devastating 1985 Mexico City earthquake, and the early stages of economic liberalization that would reshape the country.

De la Madrid, a technocrat and former Secretary of Programming and Budget, inherited an economy crippled by debt, capital flight, and inflation. His administration implemented austerity measures, privatized state-owned companies, and sought IMF support. The September 1985 earthquake, which killed thousands and exposed government corruption and incompetence in the response, became a pivotal moment, galvanizing civil society and undermining the ruling PRI's monopoly on power.

His presidency laid the groundwork for his successor, Carlos Salinas de Gortari, to pursue NAFTA and further structural reforms.