Fox News Fans, Independence Cries & Capital Repatriation
Mexico Decoded’s weekly briefing makes sense of the news that matters
1. Mexico’s Opposition Loves Fox News
Alito Moreno, leader of Mexico’s opposition PRI party, went on Fox News to accuse President Claudia Sheinbaum of plotting a “communist narco-dictatorship” and suggested the U.S. should intervene.
Decoding it:
Moreno is facing embezzlement charges and could be stripped of his congressional seat after assaulting the Senate president. By turning to Washington, he’s setting up a defense: if convicted, he’ll claim it’s political revenge for his attacks on Sheinbaum.
2. Shienbaum’s First Independence Cry
On September 16, Mexico celebrates Independence Day. Each year the president commemorates independence by ringing a bell from the balcony of the main presidential residency and shouting “vivas” — cheers of “Long live!” — to honor Mexico and its heroes.
Decoding it:
Former president López Obrador changed the ritual by adding cries of “death to” discrimination and classism, alongside the usual “long live” cheers. President Sheinbaum chose not to continue this, and instead shouted “vivas” to female heroines, indigenous women and migrant women.
3. Deadly Gas Truck Blast Rattles Mexico City
A tanker carrying 49,000 liters of LP gas overturned and exploded in one of Mexico City’s poorest boroughs, killing 14 and injuring more than 90. Flames shot 30 meters high and over 30 vehicles were destroyed.
Decoding it:
Mexico’s LP gas market runs with almost no oversight, controlling 97% of the regions it serves. Tragedy may finally force tighter rules—but as usual, reform comes only after lives are lost.
4. Repatriation Plan… for Capital
Mexico will let individuals and companies bring back money earned abroad at a cut rate —15% instead of the usual 30–35%. The condition: funds must stay invested in productive projects in Mexico for at least three years.
Decoding it:
A similar program in 2017 repatriated 21.5 billion USD in two years, but with an 8% tax and no investment strings. This time the rate is higher and the leash tighter. The bet: less flighty money, more real investment.
5. Mexico Doubles Down on Soda Tax
Mexico plans to nearly double the soda tax from 1.64 to 3.08 pesos per liter. The government expects to raise $4 billion USD while curbing obesity and diabetes.
Decoding it:
Big Soda hates this stat: the last tax cut consumption by 6.3% and boosted water sales 16.2%. With 18% of Mexicans diabetic and sodas supplying 55% of sugar-related calories, the lobby can fume all it wants. This tax isn’t optional, it’s survival.
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It’s striking to watch how loudly Mexico’s right-wing politicians rage against the concrete results of left-leaning policies.
What stands out most is the refusal to acknowledge any positive outcomes—even when the data are clear.
Politics, after all, is rarely objective.
Rather than trading insults, Mexico would benefit from a robust data and KPI platform that tracks and communicates hard evidence on economic growth, fiscal stability, social indicators, and international competitiveness.
Transparent dashboards showing progress on business climate, public finance, and trade could do more than a thousand speeches to demonstrate the country’s trajectory.
Because the best way to counter the current wave of fear-mongering is simple: facts.
Facts that show how Mexico is steadily strengthening its economy, attracting investment, and positioning itself as an emerging global power—potentially a future BRICS member.
And current Mexican President, Claudia Sheinbaum, is a fact oriented powerfull woman !
When reliable numbers speak—on growth, exports, fiscal health, innovation—partisan narratives lose their grip.