In many respects, absolutely. And that is why the PRI and PAN have conspired with their cartel buddies and gringos to try to undermine him. I think he has made plenty of mistakes, but he’s at least more concerned with his country than getting rich and becoming a visiting lecturer at HKS.
That's certainly a possibility. I haven't seen any evidence that the AMLO administration is actively collaborating with the cartels, but they have been quite open about not pursuing the failed strategies of the past, like working with the DEA: