Mexico City (CNN) -- Mexican President Felipe Calderon defended his government's approach to combating crime and drugs Monday during his final state of the nation address. More than 47,500 people have died in drug-related violence in Mexico since December 2006, when Calderon took office and announced plans to deploy troops to combat cartels. He steps down in December. "What's clear ... is that we've made advances Mexicans should feel proud of," the president said, adding that it may take years for his government's efforts to come to full flower. "Mexico has started along the path toward a life full of liberty and security."
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President Felipe Calderon will step down in December
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He will be replaced by Enrique Pena Nieto, who leads a rival party
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More than 47,500 people have died in drug-related violence in Mexico since 2006
@placeholder authorities recently accused four top military officials, including a former deputy defense secretary, of connections with organized crime in what could be one of the highest-profile corruption cases in recent history.