Claudia Sheinbaum Revives López Obrador’s Unfinished Reforms

Of the 20 initiatives introduced by former President López Obrador, three were declared void under legislative regulations. However, President Claudia Sheinbaum has committed to reviving two proposals: prohibiting the cultivation of genetically modified corn and enacting electoral reform.

The first initiative seeks a constitutional amendment to ban the cultivation of genetically modified corn in Mexico, aiming to protect biodiversity and preserve corn as both a cultural symbol and a nutritional staple. These efforts respond to a USMCA dispute resolution panel's ruling, which concluded that López Obrador's 2020 presidential decree banning genetically modified seeds in Mexico violated the USMCA and lacked scientific merit. 

As the initiative originated in the 65th Legislature, which concluded in August, and was not addressed during the 66th Legislature’s first session, it has now expired. To move forward, new proposals must be submitted by either President Sheinbaum or Congress.

Another unapproved initiative is López Obrador’s electoral reform, which stalled in the Chamber of Deputies. The reform aimed to reduce political party funding by 50%, decrease the number of senators from 128 to 64, and reduce the number of deputies from 500 to 300. A primary goal of the reform is to lower the operational costs of Mexico's electoral institutions, including INE, the Electoral Tribunal, and political parties. Additionally, Sheinbaum has proposed a constitutional ban on re-election for all public offices, beginning with the 2030 presidential election. She plans to formally present the electoral initiative in 2025.

Pending Proposals

Two additional proposals from López Obrador’s package remain unresolved: the salary cap for public officials and a pension reform. The salary cap for public officials is slated for reconsideration in 2025. Although the initiative is ready for a vote, procedural delays in the Chamber of Deputies have stalled progress. The pension reform, designed to secure pensions for individuals over 65 affiliated with the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), also expired. However, its objectives were accomplished through amendments to secondary legislation.

Reforms enacted between April and May included updates to the Social Security Law, the National Workers’ Housing Fund Institute (INFONAVIT) Law, the State Workers’ Social Security and Services Institute (ISSSTE) Law, and retirement savings systems (Afores). These reforms established a Pension Welfare Fund financed by inactive accounts belonging to retirees over 70 years of age.