Mexico’s presidential palace opens to public

As part of his austerity drive, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador says Los Pinos will become a cultural centre, while he will live instead in his own house.

Mexico’s new president, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, has opened the doors of Mexico’s hitherto off-limits presidential palace.

Mexico’s president has declared that the presidential residence and office, known as Los Pinos, will become a cultural centre, while he lives in his own home as part of his austerity drive.

Not all Mexicans are sure if President Obrador is making good on his promise of change for the people or if opening Los Pinos is just a publicity stunt, but in the meantime, people are flocking to take a look.

Al Jazeera’s John Holman joined the tour in Mexico City.