November 16-22, 2024
HOT TOPICS:
Dissolution of AutonomousBodies
The Chamber of Deputies has approved a constitutional reform to dissolve seven autonomous bodies, including the National Transparency Institute (INAI), Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT), and Federal Competition Commission (Cofece) The reform, passed with 332 votes from Morena, PT, and PVEM, against 119 from opposition parties, now moves to the Senate
The reform reallocates savings from the dissolution to the Pension Welfare Fund and mandates that Congress draft necessary legal amendments within 90 days To address commitments under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a new decentralized body with technical and financial autonomy will oversee competition, combat monopolies, and regulate telecommunications and broadcasting Morena representatives argue this complies with USMCA requirements, maintaining technical independence and ensuring faster investigations and sanctions. Opposition parties, including PAN, PRI, and Movimiento Ciudadano, claim the new entity lacks constitutional autonomy, risking investor confidence and treaty compliance
The reform also strengthens national control over lithium and electricity transmission, excluding private concessions. The affected bodies include INAI, Cofece, IFT, the National Evaluation Council (Coneval), the Regulatory Energy Commission (CRE), and others Proponents highlight economic benefits, while detractors warn of diminished accountability and governance. The proposal remains contentious as it awaits Senate deliberation
Source: MILENIO
NATIONAL WATER PLAN
The Mexican government unveiled the 2024-2030 National Water Plan, emphasizing water as a human right and a national asset rather than a commodity Key initiatives include prioritizing water for human consumption, reforming concession systems, and creating the National Water Registry for transparency. The plan addresses water scarcity through technification of 200,000 hectares of agricultural irrigation, increasing productivity by 50%, and investing 20 billion pesos in infrastructure projects for potable water and river restoration Targeted rivers include Lerma-Santiago, Atoyac, and Tula Additionally, private sector commitments will reclaim unused water volumes and invest 16.4 billion pesos in efficiency measures A National Agreement on Water Rights will be signed, ensuring equitable distribution and public access while mitigating climate impacts The strategy integrates sustainable management and long-term planning, setting the groundwork for improved water access, ecological restoration, and national productivity
Source: GOBIERNO
2025 ECONOMIC PACKAGE
The 2025 Economic Package, presented by Claudia Sheinbaum’s government to the Mexican Congress, outlines fiscal and economic policies to achieve stability and growth during her administration’s first year It includes guidelines for public revenue generation, expenditure allocation, and macroeconomic projections, such as a 2-3% GDP growth, declining inflation to 3 5%, and a stable exchange rate Revenue will rely on increased tax collection, improved digital systems, and a rise in oil-related income
Key priorities include social programs, with substantial funding for pensions, scholarships, and agricultural initiatives Defense and environmental agencies face significant budget cuts, while housing and infrastructure projects receive notable increases Sedatu emerges as the biggest beneficiary, with a 183% budget hike This package must be approved by Congress before December 31, with the final version published in the Official Gazette of the Federation. It represents the roadmap for Sheinbaum’s policy implementation and economic vision.
Source: EL ECONOMISTA
HOT TOPICS:
Claudia Sheinbaum participates in G-20
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum attended the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, engaging in high-profile bilateral meetings with leaders including China's Xi Jinping, Vietnam's Pham Minh Chinh, U S President Joe Biden, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau These discussions focused on strengthening international ties and addressing regional agreements such as the USMCA Sheinbaum also proposed reallocating 1% of global military budgets to finance a historic reforestation initiative inspired by Mexico’s “Sembrando Vida” program, emphasizing peace and sustainability
In a video shared on social media, Sheinbaum documented her first international tour as president, highlighting her engagements with Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Colombia’s Gustavo Petro, Chile’s Gabriel Boric, and Panama’s José Raúl Mulino Her participation marked Mexico's renewed presence in global diplomacy, contrasting with the limited international activity during Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s presidency
Sheinbaum's speech urged global leaders to prioritize unity and environmental action, stating, “Let us stop sowing wars; let us sow peace and life ” Her advocacy reflects Mexico’s commitment to addressing global challenges while fostering sustainable development The trip underscored Mexico’s active role in international collaboration under Sheinbaum's administration
Source: CNN
MIGRANT CARAVANS
Migrant caravans in Mexico have intensified following Donald Trump’s election victory, reflecting fears over his impending strict immigration policies Caravans, like the recent 2,000-person group from Tapachula, aim to reach the U.S. before Trump’s presidency reinstates measures like "Remain in Mexico" and mass deportations
Meanwhile, Mexican cities near the border, such as Tapachula, face overcrowded shelters, rising crime, and human trafficking, exacerbated by increased migrant flows. U.S.-Mexico relations are strained as Trump's policies could shift border dynamics, compelling Mexico to manage growing migrant populations while mitigating criminal activities Tensions may rise as Mexico handles humanitarian pressures and criminal exploitation linked to U S policy changes
Source: EL PAIS
EBRARD MEETS WITH GERMAN STAKEHOLDERS
Mexican Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard met with German CEOs to strengthen collaborations in sectors like infrastructure, customs, deregulation, and security German companies expressed commitment to investing in Mexico, citing confidence in its economy and highlighting accumulated investments of $40 billion and 300,000 direct jobs.
Ebrard discussed government priorities under President Claudia Sheinbaum, aligning with the upcoming USMCA review. Participants included highprofile firms like Siemens, BMW, and Volkswagen, and officials such as German Ambassador Clemens von Goetze Data from Data México revealed $1 74 billion in German FDI from January to June 2024, emphasizing Mexico’s strategic importance for innovation and economic growth
Source: MILENIO
CANADA's RESERVES ON THE USMCA
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has raised concerns about Mexico's handling of Chinese exports, suggesting Canada might explore alternatives to the USMCA if Mexico does not take stricter measures While Trudeau supports the current trilateral trade agreement, he emphasized defending Canadian workers and keeping "all options open" amid upcoming renegotiations in 2025 Trudeau addressed these issues directly with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum at the G20 summit, advocating stronger North American cooperation Both leaders aim to maintain a balanced agreement despite differing political pressures
Source: EL PAÍS
HOT TOPICS: Legislative and Regulatory Issues:
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Discussion Draft with Proposed Decree to Amend, Add, and Repeal Provisions of the Organic Law of the Federal Public Administration
Presented by: Governance and Population Committee
Purpose: To restructure the Federal Public Administration to enhance efficiency, austerity, and digital governance Key changes include creating agencies for digital transformation, women’s affairs, science and innovation, while reforming sectors like health, education, environment, and anticorruption for better individual and community development
Status: Turned to Commissions
Discussion Draft with Proposed Decree to Amend, Add, and Repeal Provisions of Various Laws on Organizational Simplification
Presented by: Constitutional Points Committee
Purpose: To centralize and streamline functions within the Federal Public Administration by reintegrating autonomous and decentralized bodies into federal agencies The initiative aims to enhance efficiency, reduce duplication, and uphold constitutional austerity principles by dissolving specific autonomous organizations and reallocating their functions
Status: Turned to Commissions
POLITICAL
First reading opinion with a draft decree to amend and add Article 21 of the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States in matters of public security
Presented by: Joint Committees on Public Security, Constitutional Points, and Legislative Studies, First Committee
Purpose: To empower the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection with investigative authority, coordination of the National Public Security Strategy, oversight of the National Intelligence System, and enhanced collaboration across government levels It establishes an Executive Secretariat to standardize criteria, ensure transparency, and audit federal security funds.
Status: Approved by Senate, sent to Chamber of Deputies
Decree Proposal to Amend Article 19 of the Constitution of Mexico on Criminal Matters
Presented by: Constitional points
Purpose: Mandates automatic pretrial detention for extortion, drug dealing, crimes involving fentanyl and synthetic drugs, tax fraud, smuggling, and activities related to fraudulent tax receipts, as specified by law
Status: Sent to the Senate for discussion
ECONOMY
Initiative to Amend Article 1 of the Federal Law of Rights on Fees Below Inflation
Presented by: Deputy Raúl Lozano Caballero (Plur - MC)
Purpose: To ensure annual updates to fee rates under the Federal Law of Rights remain below inflation, effective January 1 of each year.
Status: Presented to the plenary of the Senate
NOM-017-STPS-2024, PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT –SELECTION, USE, AND MANAGEMENT IN WORKPLACES
Presented by: Secretariat of Labor and Social Welfare
Purpose: Establishes minimum requirements for the selection, use, and management of personal protective equipment provided to workers to shield them from workplace risk factors, agents, or contaminants, aiming to prevent accidents and occupational diseases
Status: Regulatory Impact Analysis
LABOR
