Tourist Hubs Expansion, Trump’s Loyalist Summit, & Postponing Judicial Elections
Mexico Decoded's weekly briefing makes sense of the news that matters
1. Trump’s Loyalist Summit
President Donald Trump launched the “Shield of the Americas”, a coalition of 17 Latin American countries, mostly with right-wing governments, pledging cooperation to combat drug trafficking, migration, and China’s presence in the region. Mexico was not present at the summit.
Decoded:
The meeting was less significant than it may appear. The governments represented account for only about 30.2 percent of Latin America’s GDP. Trump took a jab at Mexico saying it was the “epicenter” of cartel violence; Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum replied that her government stands against US Military intervention to eradicate said violence.
2. Thousands March for Women’s Rights
Thousands of Mexican women and girls marched in dozens of cities all over Mexico, during International Women’s Day to demand justice for femicide victims, legal abortion and labor rights. President Sheinbaum spent the day leading a ceremony honoring women in the armed forces.
Decoded:
Sheinbaum did not make the best decision. Women remain a small minority in the armed forces, which also face multiple complaints for human rights violations, including sexual abuse against women. Images of Sheinbaum surrounded by armed men did little to honor the protesters’ demands.
3. Sheinbaum Considers Postponing Judicial Elections to Reassure Investors
President Sheinbaum has announced she is considering postponing judicial elections by one year, moving them to 2028. The Judicial Branch elections have been criticized by opposition parties and the private sector for weakening judicial independence, due process, and investor confidence.
Decoded:
Holding judicial elections was one of Sheinbaum’s campaign strong suits, meaning her openness to postponing the elections appears aimed at reassuring investors confidence. The move also signals distance from her predecessor, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who pushed the reform that made the entire judiciary elected in 2025.
4. Conflict in Iran Could Deliver Mexico a Tax Break
During the first week of the conflict between the United States and Israel against Iran, the cost of the Mexican Crude Basket went up 32%, with a price of $83.6 dollars per barrel. The Mexican government has announced it will consider cutting down petroleum taxes (IEPS) in order to keep gasoline prices accessible, and lower the impact on inflation.
Decoded:
The strategy to reduce IEPS taxes was implemented in 2022 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While it helps contain inflation, it mainly benefits higher income households, which rely more on gasoline for private cars instead of public transport.
5. Tacubaya Neighborhood Protests Against Gentrification
Inhabitants of Tacubaya, a neighborhood next to Mexico City’s tourist hubs Condesa and Roma, protested rising prices in housing and “unlawful” evictions. They are demanding government action to ensure fair rental practices as the soccer World Cup approaches.
Decoded:
While Mexico City’s government has put into place policies to keep housing affordable, they remain insufficient to effectively address the housing crisis and the touristification of central neighborhoods.