PEMEX, CFE Reforms Signed / INAI Dissolution

Signing of Decrees. President Claudia Sheinbaum signed a reform that returns control of PEMEX and CFE to the state. “Today, we sign the decree that restores PEMEX and CFE to the people of Mexico,” stated Sheinbaum, adding that the reform was declared constitutional yesterday.

She also signed another reform allowing the state to operate the passenger rail system. Both reforms will be published in the Official Journal of the Federation (DOF).

While these changes undo much of the 2013 Energy Reform, a regulated and structured space will remain for private investment under secondary laws. Sheinbaum emphasized a commitment to responsible management of these strategic national resources.

PEMEX and CFE Reform. Luz Elena González, Head, Ministry of Energy (SENER), said that the 2013 energy reform converted public companies like PEMEX and CFE into private, market-oriented entities, removing the guarantee of essential service provision. 

The reform also designates lithium as a strategic national resource, reinforcing the government’s role in managing key assets. Additionally, the reform reinstates strategic sector planning, allowing for medium and long-term expansion goals. 

Railway Reform. Andrés Lajous, Director, Regulatory Agency for Rail Transport (ARTF), outlined the Passenger Rail Reform, which aims to strengthen passenger rail services. Key goals include reducing travel times, enhancing safety, improving quality of life, lowering carbon footprints, and expanding service to remote communities.

Lajous explained that the reform enshrines state operation of passenger rail in the Constitution, prioritizing passenger transport on railway networks. The plan involves building 3,000 km of new railway lines to support both passenger and freight services.

Three new companies have been established to oversee these operations. The constitutional amendment also prioritizes satellite communications and railway infrastructure as state responsibilities, reinforcing the government’s role in managing these systems.

Sheinbaum highlighted that the rail projects, set to begin in April 2025, are expected to create over 600,000 jobs.

New Dependencies. Sheinbaum announced that a proposal will be sent today to the Chamber of Deputies to amend Mexico’s Organic Law, establishing three new government bodies: the Ministry of Women, the Ministry of Science, Humanities, Technology, and Information, and the Digital Transformation Agency. These new institutions are set to begin operations on Jan. 1, 2025.

Sheinbaum emphasized that these changes will help reduce government costs for the Mexican people.

Dissolution of INAI Confirmed. Sheinbaum confirmed plans to dissolve the National Institute for Transparency, Access to Information, and Personal Data Protection (INAI), despite the agency’s recent proposal to reduce its expenses. “The INAI has no reason to continue, as it faces internal corruption issues. We are working to ensure transparency without the corruption seen at INAI,” stated Sheimbaum.

Ken Salazar and Mayo Zambada Detention. In response to US Ambassador Ken Salazar regarding the capture of “El Mayo” Zambada, Sheinbaum said that “the end does not justify the means” and stressed the importance of respecting human rights, the rule of law, and national sovereignty.

She stated: “It is not just about the arrest itself, but how it was conducted,” underscoring that the approach to such actions matters just as much as the outcome.

National Energy Plan. Sheinbaum announced that the National Energy Generation Plan will be presented next Wednesday, followed by a detailed plan for PEMEX and the publication of related secondary laws. She emphasized that this reform is strategic for national development and central to the country’s energy goals.

In November, the PEMEX Plan will focus on enhancing internal efficiency. Given PEMEX’s complex administration, operational costs will be reduced without impacting workers, aligning with the government’s policy of republican austerity.