Mamdani’s Mexican Connection, Avocado Security Plan & More...
Mexico Decoded’s weekly briefing makes sense of the news that matters
1. New Plan to Protect Avocado Heartland
After the assassination of a mayor in violence-plagued Michoacán — the state that produces 85% of Mexico’s avocados — the federal government announced a $3 billion USD plan to strengthen security, intelligence, and local development.
Decoded:
This is the fourth security plan for Mexico’s avocado region in 19 years. None have worked. The issue isn’t local but national: violence flares in Michoacán because that’s where the money is. Without a coordinated, countrywide strategy, the new plan risks becoming just another well-intentioned pilot.
2. Macron Visits Mexico After 11-Year Hiatus
French President Emmanuel Macron met with President Sheinbaum in Mexico City to mark 200 years of diplomatic relations. The visit included talks on trade, investment, the return of historic artifacts, and was the first by a French president since François Hollande’s 2014 trip.
Decoded:
The visit underscores Mexico’s push to deepen ties with Europe amid strains with Trump. Yet, Sheinbaum’s diplomacy faces headwinds: Peru just broke relations with Mexico after the later granted asylum to one of the Peruvian president’s political rivals.
3. Mexico Bets on Rerouting Trade
Mexico’s new tariffs on Asian imports are raising alarms in industries that depend heavily on components from Asia, particularly automakers. In some regions, local inputs account for barely 40% of production — making substitution costly and complex.
Decoded:
The short-term pain is real, but not all bad. European appliance and air-conditioning manufacturers are expanding in northern Mexico, suggesting the tariffs could push supply chains to diversify. Protectionism from Asia is Mexico’s industrial strategy.
4. Sheinbaum Groped in Public Event
During a public event in Mexico City’s historic center last Tuesday, a man under the influence approached President Claudia Sheinbaum from behind and groped her without consent. He was detained shortly after.
Decoded:
The man wasn’t charged for the assault on the president, but for a separate, preexisting case of sexual aggression. With sexual crimes so rarely prosecuted in Mexico, the sudden appearance of prior charges raises suspicions of fabrication to avoid claims of Sheinbaum’s special treatment.
5. The Mamdani Connection
Mexico City Mayor, Clara Brugada, congratulated New York’s Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani on his decisive win and emphasized the parallels between them — both centered on fighting inequality through affordable housing, expanded public transit, and social investment.
Decoded:
Like Mamdani, Brugada won with an overwhelming support from voters — her 2.9 million voters were the second largest ever in Mexico City. New York and Mexico City are part of a broader global left that is showing that wining elections is possible with the right agenda.