VOLTAR

1. Sheinbaum Promises to Protect Mexicans and Questions Salazar 

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum assured that her government will defend Mexicans in the United States following threats of mass deportations by President-elect Donald Trump. She encouraged compatriots to visit Mexican consulates for support and highlighted ongoing talks with Trump’s transition team to address migration, security, and economic issues. She also expressed concern about the potential impact of these policies on remittances, which totaled $63.3 billion in 2023 but have recently shown a decline.

Sheinbaum also criticized U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar for making contradictory statements about security in the country. While he initially supported Mexican judicial reforms, he later deemed them harmful. In response to the ambassador’s remarks, Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a diplomatic note expressing its disagreement, underscoring the current tensions in the bilateral relationship. 

El Economista: Sheinbaum tacha de contradictorias las declaraciones del embajador Ken Salazar sobre la seguridad en México

El Economista: Sheinbaum promete defender a los mexicanos en EU tras amenaza de deportaciones de Trump

2. Reelection of the CNDH President 

The Senate reelected María del Rosario Piedra Ibarra as president of the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) for the 2024-2029 term, with 87 votes in favor. The transparent ballot voting was marked by the absence of senators from the PAN, PRI, and Movimiento Ciudadano, who left the chamber in protest.

The other two candidates, Nashieli Ramírez and Paulina Hernández, received 36 and one vote, respectively. During the discussion, PRI Senator Claudia Anaya criticized the election, calling it a simulation and accusing Morena of weakening institutions instead of strengthening them. Gustavo Sánchez from the PAN argued that they could not support Piedra Ibarra due to her alleged submission to federal power.

El Economista: Senado reelige por mayoría calificada a Rosario Piedra Ibarra como presidenta de la CNDH hasta 2029

3. Senate Expands Security Secretary’s Powers

The Senate approved a reform that strengthens the powers of the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), allowing it to take a more strategic role in coordinating with the armed forces and designing public policies to combat organized crime. The initiative, supported by Morena, was defended by the Secretary of Security, who emphasized that these measures are essential to address the growing security challenges.

During the discussion, opposition senators warned of the risks of centralizing power and increasing militarization in public security tasks. Despite the criticism, the Secretary assured that the reform aims to improve operational efficiency without compromising human rights or the autonomy of local institutions. 

ADN40: Senado avala que Secretaría de Seguridad de García Harfuch tenga facultad de investigar delitos

4. Reform to Protect and Prevent Animal Abuse Approved 

The Chamber of Deputies unanimously approved reforms to Articles 3, 4, and 73 of the Constitution to guarantee the care and protection of animals. With 450 votes in the first round and 441 in the second, the initiative aims to promote respect for animals and prohibit abuse.

The changes include incorporating animal protection into educational programs, prohibiting abuse in Article 4, and granting Congress the power to legislate on the matter through Article 73. The reform also establishes the creation of a general law within 180 days, which will regulate abuse in the breeding, use, and slaughter of animals for human consumption, as well as the use of wild animals in performances.

N+: Diputados Aprueban Reforma para Proteger y Prevenir el Maltrato Animal

5. Instability of the Mexican Peso Due to Trump’s Decisions 

The Mexican peso is experiencing volatility due to the uncertainty generated by the recent cabinet appointments of Donald Trump, the president-elect of the United States, and the threats of imposing tariffs on Mexican products. This situation has affected the exchange rate against the dollar, which has shown recent depreciation. Politically, Trump has made key decisions within his team, such as appointing Tom Homan to lead deportation policies and Marco Rubio as a potential Secretary of State.

Additionally, Trump appointed Lee Zeldin to lead the Environmental Protection Agency and Elise Stefanik as the U.S. Ambassador to the UN. These appointments reflect Trump’s strategy of advancing his policies without waiting for Senate confirmation, using a constitutional clause that allows him to make temporary appointments.

Animal Político: El peso mexicano se debilita tras nombramientos del gabinete de Trump