Anti-Fentanyl Campaign / Trudeau’s Resignation

Anti-Fentanyl Campaign. The government launched a nationwide and permanent campaign, "Aléjate de las Drogas, el Fentanilo te Mata," (Stay Away From Drugs, Fentanyl Kills) aimed at preventing drug use, particularly fentanyl, among adolescents. The initiative, coordinated by various government entities, focuses on prevention through education and care through the health sector.

Minister of Public Education Mario Delgado is joining the national campaign with strategies like distributing a guide for teachers to inform students about drugs, organizing school assemblies, and holding two national awareness days on March 14 and 15 and June 14, 2025. The approach involves students, families, teachers, and school administrators working together to prevent drug consumption in upper secondary education. Additionally, private advertising companies will promote the campaign free of charge, while further resources will be available on the government’s platforms.

Minister of Health David Kershenobich is addressing drug addiction through prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and social reintegration. A coordinated strategy will be developed with IMSS, IMSS-Bienestar, ISSSTE, and PEMEX. Kershenobich noted the health sector is treating 303,356 people for addictions, with women comprising the majority of cases. Support services include medical and mental healthcare, legal and ethical guidance, and telephone counseling via the "Línea de la vida" hotline, staffed 24/7 by 150 specialists. José Merino, Head, Agency for Digital Transformation, highlighted the hotline’s capacity to handle 6,000 to 10,000 calls daily, offering emotional support, crisis intervention, and referrals to specialized services. 

Carlos Azcárraga, CEO, Grupo Posadas, and member of the Communication Council, announced a commitment of MX$300 million (US$14.7 million) to promote the campaign. Azcárraga mentioned the possibility of leveraging influencers to amplify its reach.

Justin Trudeau Steps Down as Prime Minister. After Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation after more than nine years in office, President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that this change in leadership is not expected to impact the trade relationship between Mexico, the United States, and Canada under USMCA. She emphasized the mutual benefits of the agreement and dismissed the possibility of Canada leaving it. She added that the review of the USMCA remains scheduled for 2026 regardless of changes in leadership.

Ken Salazar’s Last Day as Ambassador. On Ken Salazar's final day as United States Ambassador to Mexico, President Sheinbaum reflected on the disagreements that marked the later part of his tenure but assured that bilateral relations remained intact. She referenced Salazar's remarks on Mexico's judicial reform and the pause in embassy relations with former President López Obrador as key points of contention. While Sheinbaum regretted these differences, she emphasized that such issues are matters of Mexican sovereignty.