October 19-25, 2024
HOT TOPICS:
Judicial Reformispushed even further
The Mexican Senate’s constitutional committees approved the controversial "Ley Anti Amparo," which limits legal mechanisms to challenge constitutional reforms. With 24 votes in favor and 10 against, the proposal modifies Articles 105 and 107 of the Constitution to prevent amparos, constitutional controversies, or actions of unconstitutionality against amendments. The law aims to provide legal certainty by limiting judges' ability to block key reforms, but it has faced opposition
Critics, including members of the PAN and PRI, argue that it undermines democratic checks and balances, limits access to judicial protections for citizens, and violates international human rights agreements like the Pact of San José Morena senators softened the initial proposal, eliminating some of its most controversial points, yet the opposition remains concerned about the potential impacts on Mexico's judicial independence The bill will proceed to the full Senate for further debate.
Furthermore, the Judicial Power weakens under the "Ley Anti Amparo" by limiting its ability to challenge constitutional reforms. It prevents constitutional controversies or amparo rulings from being applied beyond individual cases, restricting citizens’ access to courts for defending human rights and diminishing the judiciary’s capacity to review laws’ constitutionality.
Source: EXCÉLSIOR
NEW INITIATIVES FOR WORKERS OF DIGITAL PLATFORMS
6 new initiatives aim to amend the Federal Labor Law by adding a chapter dedicated to "Work through Digital Platforms " Those engaged in services such as transport, food delivery, or home repairs will be granted the same labor rights as other workers under the Constitution. Key provisions require these workers to be enrolled in social security within 30 days of starting work While these initiatives addressing this topic have been proposed, they are unlikely to pass due to an upcoming initiative from President Claudia Sheinbaum. This official proposal may incorporate aspects from the other initiatives, potentially shaping the future of labor rights for digital platform workers The initiative highlights a growing recognition of the need for legal protections for this expanding workforce, ensuring fair treatment and access to benefits typically afforded to traditional employees
Source: PARLIAMENTARY GAZETTE
CLAUDIA SHEINBAUM PROPOSES THE CREATION OF UNIVERSITIES
Claudia Sheinbaum announced the creation of 330,000 new spots for students in public universities during her six-year term, as part of her administration’s commitment to free higher education The initiative aims to decentralize educational opportunities across the country. Institutions like the University Rosario Castellanos will expand to accommodate 150,000 students and become a national university with 30 campuses
Additionally, Benito Juárez Universities, the National Technological Institute of Mexico, and the National Polytechnic Institute will also expand The plan includes the creation of 10 Health Universities and 50 more from the Wellbeing University System Student and professor applications will open in November 2024, with classes starting in March 2025 This initiative aims to ensure more young people have access to free, quality education throughout the country
Source: EL PAÍS
HOT TOPICS:
Future for the NorthAmerican relations
Luis Rosendo Gutiérrez, Mexico's Undersecretary of Foreign Trade, embarked on a work visit to Canada and the United States to strengthen Mexico's role as a strategic ally and boost North America's economic competitiveness. His visit includes key stops in New York, Washington, Ottawa, and Toronto In New York, Gutiérrez met with major companies like Goldman Sachs and Global Infrastructure Partners, providing legal and logistical guidance to facilitate their investment in Mexico. His primary goal is to attract foreign direct investment and ensure a stable business environment in the country
In Washington, Gutiérrez held discussions with U.S. officials from various federal agencies, including the Department of the Treasury, Department of Commerce, and the Office of the U S Trade Representative These talks focused on improving economic cooperation and strengthening regional supply chains.
In Canada, Gutiérrez visited Ottawa and Toronto, where he met with Canadian officials to discuss opportunities for investment in key sectors such as semiconductors, energy, mining, and biotechnology He also engaged with the Canadian Council of the Americas to present Mexico’s investment strategy and promote nearshoring During the visit, Gutiérrez is also connecting with Mexican business leaders in these cities to discuss areas where Mexico's government can support their growth abroad
Source: LA RAZÓN DE MÉXICO
BRICS REUNION
The BRICS summit in Kazan, hosted by Vladimir Putin, highlights Russia's focus on strengthening alliances amidst Western isolation. With leaders from China, India, Turkey, and Iran attending, the summit aims to promote alternative global power structures BRICS has expanded, attracting nations like Saudi Arabia and Egypt, enhancing Russia's economic and military ties, notably with China and India As global dynamics shift toward emerging economies, Russia seeks to bypass Western sanctions by developing alternative trade and payment systems While Russia deepens these alliances, Mexico remains focused on reinforcing its North American relations, prioritizing stability over global rivalries
Source: EURONEWS
SLIM MEETS THE PRESIDENT
Carlos Slim, met with President Claudia Sheinbaum at the National Palace to discuss future private investment projects in the country Slim, accompanied by Francisco Cervantes, head of the Business Coordinating Council (CCE), expressed optimism about Mexico’s economic future, forecasting several prosperous years ahead He highlighted significant private investments anticipated in 2025, although he did not provide specific details about his involvement in upcoming infrastructure projects, such as train lines promised by Sheinbaum
This meeting marks the third encounter between Slim and Sheinbaum, following previous collaborations during her tenure as mayor of Mexico City, where Slim’s companies were involved in major infrastructure projects, including the reconstruction of buildings after the 2017 earthquake and improvements in public internet connectivity Slim remains optimistic about Mexico’s economic potential and expects increased collaboration with the United States in future projects Despite his comments, there is no immediate impact on the exchange rate or financial markets from this meeting
Source: EL FINANCIERO
HOUSING INVESTEMENT
President Claudia Sheinbaum plans to deliver one million new homes during her administration, prioritizing young women heads of households, indigenous people, and the elderly. The homes will be safe, equipped with basic services, and located near essential amenities Sheinbaum’s housing program aims to stimulate the economy by creating millions of jobs, with an estimated 600 billion pesos investment
Source: EL FINANCIERO
HOT TOPICS: Legislative and Regulatory Issues:
POLITICAL
Initiative with a Draft Decree that Amends the Second Paragraph of Article 1, Adds a Final Paragraph to Article 103, Adds a Final Paragraph to Article 105, and Amends the First Paragraph of Section II of Article 107
Presented by: Adán Augusto López Hernández (MORENA)
Purpose: Establishes that human rights norms cannot be overridden through conventional control and that no constitutional amendments can be challenged through legal actions Mandates harmonization of laws within 180 days and nullifies ongoing challenges to constitutional amendments
Status: Turned to Commissions
LABOR
Amendment of Article 123 of the Constitution to Create a Housing System for All Workers
Presented by: Constitutional Points
Purpose: Agricultural, industrial, and other companies must provide workers with adequate housing through contributions to a national housing fund, ensuring affordable housing loans or rental opportunities, prioritizing continuous contributors without home ownership
Status: Approved by the Chamber of Deputies and submitted to the Senate
TECHNOLOGY
Repeal of Fraction I of Article 2 of the Federal Law for the Protection of Personal Data Held by Individuals
Presented by: Dip Ricardo Sóstenes Mejía Berdeja (Plur - PT)
Purpose: Repeal the clause excluding credit information societies from the Federal Law on Protection of Personal Data
Status: Not published in the DOF but announced by President Claudia, making it likely to be approved
TECHNOLOGY
Addition of Article 429 BIS to the Penal Code of Nuevo León
Presented by: Dip Loc Aile Tamez de la Paz (NL - PAN)
Purpose: Anyone who improperly attempts to access a data processing or transmission system will face 2 months to 1 year in prison and a fine between 200 and 1000 fees.
Status: Turned to Commissions
LABOR
Initiative to amend Articles 26 and 123 of the Constitution
Presented by: Chamber of Deputies Mónica Elizabeth Sandoval Hernández (PRD)
Purpose: It establishes that the calculation of pensions and retirements will be based on the minimum wage.
Status: Presented to the plenary of the Chamber of Deputies
Initiative to Amend Article 87 of the Federal Labor Law
Presented by: Manuel de Jesús Baldenebro Arredondo (MORENA)
Purpose: To increase the annual Christmas bonus that workers must receive to 30 days.
Status: Presented to the plenary of the Chamber of Deputies
