Mexican president's state-of-the-nation address beset by doubts

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto is set to deliver his third state-of-the-nation address amid rising violence, a falling currency and a slowing economy.

The unenviable circumstances are far different than during his last such address one year ago, just after he had passed broad reforms on energy, education and telecommunications.

While Pena Nieto's biggest pledge was to reduce Mexico's drug-war violence, homicide numbers now are creeping up again. And his approval ratings have fallen to about 35 percent, unusually low for a Mexican president.

That number comes from a Buendia & Laredo poll published Tuesday. It has a margin of error of 3.5 percentage points.

Pena Nieto shook up his cabinet last week in an apparent attempt to change direction. But tough international market conditions may limit his maneuvering room.