Electoral Reform / Relation With the United States

Electoral Reform. Claudia Sheinbaum outlined the main objectives of the electoral reform proposal her administration will submit in the coming months. She highlighted efforts to reduce electoral costs, increase public participation, and ensure greater transparency in the use of public funds during campaigns.

Sheinbaum acknowledged that the proposal is still being finalized but shared what she considers its core elements. “The public has asked for key changes: reducing costs and creating a system that is not dominated by party leadership. Many deputies and senators have always been assigned through proportional representation lists. The aim is for citizens to have a direct say in proportional representation. Citizen involvement is central to democracy, including representation for Mexicans living abroad. We also have the responsibility to present a concrete proposal, ensuring transparency in how electoral authorities handle campaign funds.”

Relation With the United States. Sheinbaum emphasized the results of bilateral collaboration with the United States on security matters, particularly in reducing intentional homicides and drug trafficking. She underscored the importance of mutual respect and shared responsibility between the two countries.

Sheinbaum noted that recent data demonstrate significant progress in combating organized crime and violence.

“First, it is important to acknowledge the State Department’s communication. The joint operations and Mexico’s work have produced very strong results. Fentanyl seizures dropped by 50% between 2024 and 2025, a major achievement. In total, Mexico has seized 320t of fentanyl, 150 of which came from the sea. Additionally, intentional homicides have declined. If our strategy were not working, we would not have seen a 41% reduction since taking office, up to December 2025.”

Tren de Aragua. Minister of Security Omar García Harfuch reported on measures taken against the criminal organization Tren de Aragua. He emphasized that, although arrests have occurred in Central Mexico, there is no evidence of a substantial expansion of the group nationwide. García Harfuch noted that operations have curbed serious crimes associated with the organization, particularly those related to sexual exploitation, and that several of the initial detainees have already been sentenced.

“We reported the latest arrest and have been making detentions in the central region. While this group is present in 11 states, their impact in the center is not significant. However, the offenses we have dealt with, mainly linked to sexual exploitation, are serious. Some of the first arrests have already led to convictions. We have not seen further expansion, but the number of arrests has increased.”