October 25th, 2024
1. Senate Approves Constitutional Supremacy Reform
The Senate of Mexico approved the “constitutional supremacy” reform with 85 votes in favor from Morena, PT, and PVEM, and 41 against from the opposition, sparking intense debate. The reform modifies Articles 105 and 107 of the Constitution, stating that there will be no actions of unconstitutionality or constitutional controversies against reforms approved by Congress, thereby limiting the amparo trial as a tool to challenge these changes. During the session, the ruling party defended that the measure ensures legislative sovereignty and prevents the judiciary from obstructing decisions of the legislature, while the opposition accused Morena of seeking to establish a “dictatorship” in Mexico.
The President of the Senate, Gerardo Fernández Noroña, defended the reform by asserting that it does not eliminate the right to amparo but rather prevents its use to halt transformations that he claims respond to the popular mandate. However, PAN Senator Ricardo Anaya expressed concern about the violation of fundamental rights and the lack of defense mechanisms for citizens. Opposition parties warn that this reform could disrupt the balance of powers and jeopardize democracy by limiting judicial oversight of constitutional reforms promoted by the ruling party.
El Financiero: Senado aprueba en lo general y particular la ‘supremacía’ constitucional
El Universal: México, uno de los países más peligrosos para hacer política; asesinaron a 170 políticos en 2023: Índice de Paz
2. Mexico Ranks as One of the Most Dangerous Countries for Politics
The 2024 Peace Index reveals that Mexico is one of the most dangerous countries to be a politician, reporting 170 murders of political figures in 2023, compared to 50 recorded in 2020. Political violence has primarily affected members of the executive branch, mayors, governors, and officials, according to the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). Guerrero leads with 128 incidents of political violence in the last six years, followed by Veracruz and Oaxaca, reflecting a polarized political environment with increasing partisan tension.
Although Mexico recorded a 1.4% improvement in its peace level in 2023, violence against politicians has continued to rise, standing out as one of the few places in the world where this violence has intensified over the past three years. While 15 states improved their peace levels, the indicator decreased in 17 other entities, indicating that progress towards peace remains uneven. These data underscore the severity of the situation for those in public office, despite efforts to reduce violence in other areas.
El Universal: México, uno de los países más peligrosos para hacer política; asesinaron a 170 políticos en 2023: Índice de Paz
3. Foreign Affairs Secretariat Defines its Agenda
Foreign Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente presented the foreign policy that the government of Claudia Sheinbaum will follow to the diplomatic corps in Mexico. In his first formal meeting, he emphasized Mexico’s role as a “bridge between nations” and a promoter of cooperation, peace, and shared prosperity. Through the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), Mexico will promote cooperation and development in the southern border alongside Guatemala and Belize, making it a regional development hub. Additionally, it will seek to strengthen relations with Europe by modernizing the Global Agreement, addressing issues such as climate change, human rights, and humanitarian aid.
In the Asia-Pacific region, Mexico will promote the diversification of relationships and the ratification of cooperation agreements with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), while in Africa and the Middle East, a collaboration agenda will be designed focusing on poverty reduction and sustainable development. The agenda will also prioritize digital transformation with a new agency starting operations in January. On the multilateral front, Mexico will renew its commitment to human rights, disarmament, and addressing global drug issues and social vulnerability, while also strengthening its role in the G20.
El Economista: Juan Ramón de la Fuente delinea aspectos de la política exterior al cuerpo diplomático acreditado en México
4. Claudia Sheinbaum meets Business Leaders with Positive Economic Outlook
President Claudia Sheinbaum met with businessman Carlos Slim and the president of the Business Coordinating Council (CCE), Francisco Cervantes, to discuss strategies for promoting investment and combating poverty in Mexico. Francisco Cervantes expressed optimism on social media platform X about the economic opportunities that this collaboration will bring to the country. Slim, after the meeting at Palacio Nacional, highlighted the potential of the Mexican economy and anticipated a 2024 filled with investment projects.
The meeting took place shortly after the U.S.-Mexico CEO Dialogue 2024, during which private investments of over $20 billion from U.S. and Mexican companies were announced, according to Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard. Sheinbaum stated that Slim will assist in attracting private investments as part of the nearshoring phenomenon, in coordination with public infrastructure investment, aiming for not only economic growth but also inclusive development.
Forbes: Sheinbaum confirma que Carlos Slim ayudará a fomentar inversión por nearshoring
5. Housing Plan
President Claudia Sheinbaum presented a program to build one million homes in six years, through collaboration with Infonavit and the National Housing Commission. The plan includes the construction of 500,000 homes by Infonavit and another 500,000 by the Commission, as well as granting 250,000 loans to improve homes, with an investment of 20 billion pesos. The strategy will allow workers to rent homes before purchasing them.
In this context, the Chamber of Deputies approved the reform to Article 123 of the Constitution by a vote of 469, which returns to Infonavit the authority to acquire land and build homes. The reform also establishes a social rental system, where workers will be able to rent and, after ten years, have the option to purchase the home.