Birmex Scandal / New Investment in Durango

Birmex Scandal. Claudia Sheinbaum refuted rumors about Zoé Robledo's resignation from IMSS. However, she confirmed that there would be changes within Birmex, though the details were still under consideration.

This week, Deputy Minister of Integration and Development of the Health Sector, Eduardo Clark, reported that 6% of the medicine SKUs purchased by Birmex were acquired at prices higher than the lowest available. The federal government identified 175 supplies that were awarded to suppliers who did not offer the best price. Clark confirmed that the public officials involved had been removed from their positions while investigations continue.

New Investment in Durango. Claudia Sheinbaum highlighted a significant US$3.7 billion investment in Durango by Fermaca, which aims to enhance the local economy and infrastructure, contributing to growth in the region.

Fermaca's investment is strategically divided into two major projects. The first involves the construction of a state-of-the-art fertilizer plant in Lerdo, designed to reduce reliance on imports. The remaining US$2.7 billion will fund the development of a cutting-edge digital city, comprising four critical components: a 200,000km long-range dark fiber optic network, a 250MW data center, a combined-cycle power plant, and a 160km natural gas pipeline. This investment aligns with the "Plan México" initiative, introduced by Claudia Sheinbaum in January. 

Disappearance Crisis. President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that next Monday she will present reforms to strengthen the search for missing persons, impose sanctions, and create a unified database in Mexico. 

The reform aims to improve mechanisms for addressing disappearances and ensure that states are required to report them nationwide. Sheinbaum also emphasized the importance of transparency and truth in handling the issue, following over 120,000 disappearances in the country. The reforms will consider increased funding for the National Search Commission and better coordination across states. Regarding the recent discovery of human remains in Jalisco, Sheinbaum stressed the need for clarity and accountability.