Slim Reunion / Constitutional Supremacy

Mexico’s Higher Education Program. Mario Delgado, Minister of Public Education (SEP), outlined a major expansion program for higher education in Mexico, announcing plans to increase access to public and free universities, aiming to add 300,000 new students to higher education institutions during Sheinbaum’s term.

The strategy will expand enrollment as follows:

• Universidad Rosario Castellanos: 150,000 new students

• Universidad de la Salud: 25,000 new students

• Universidades del Bienestar Benito Juárez García: 40,000 new students

• Instituto Tecnológico Nacional: 85,000 new students

• Instituto Politécnico Nacional: 30,000 new students

In total, this will add 330,000 new higher education students.

Additionally, Universidad Rosario Castellanos and Universidad de la Salud will become national universities with 30 and 10 new campuses, respectively, over the next six years. A budget of MX$5 billion (US$251.28 million) has been allocated for these new campuses, which is included in the national budget.

Sheinbaum Blames Judicial Branch for US Arbitration Over TV Azteca Debt. President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the recent arbitration initiated by two US investment funds against Mexico due to Ricardo Salinas Pliego’s refusal to pay debts owed by TV Azteca. Sheinbaum explained that the lawsuit stems from US businessmen, as the Mexican judiciary has sided with Salinas Pliego, allowing him to avoid paying what he owes in the United States.

“Mexico is responsible, under international law, for the misuse of its judicial system in favor of TV Azteca. Mexico has refused to engage with investors on what should be a shared goal to stop this intentional abuse of the Mexican judicial system for personal benefit,” Sheinbaum read from the lawsuit against Mexico.

Reunion With Carlos Slim and Francisco Cervantes. Sheinbaum discussed her recent meeting with businessman Carlos Slim and Francisco Cervantes, President, Business Coordinating Council (CCE). Sheinbaum clarified that they did not specifically discuss Slim’s companies, except for ongoing investments in partnership with other companies at the Salina Cruz port, where they talked about progress and the importance of its development.

They also discussed Slim’s outlook on the country, the significance of private investment, and the government’s program to promote nearshoring and regional development. Sheinbaum highlighted that she requested Slim’s support for boosting private investment in public infrastructure projects, particularly to help drive the development of the country through this collaboration.

Removal of Controversial Clause on Conventionality Control. Sheinbaum announced that MORENA removed the controversial article on “control of conventionality” from the initiative titled “Constitutional Supremacy.” “I understand that part was removed. They took it out yesterday,” Sheinbaum confirmed, noting that the proposal now only includes a modification to Art. 61, Section 1.

Initially, the proposal included several articles, but it has been narrowed down to a modification of Art. 61, Section 1, which aims to strengthen the idea that amparos are not applicable in the case of constitutional reforms. She clarified that the reform intends to move what is currently in the Amparo Law into the Constitution.

Humanitarian Aid to Cuba. Sheinbaum confirmed that Mexico will provide humanitarian aid to Cuba in response to the island’s power outage crisis. She explained that the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) is in contact with Cuban authorities through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to offer technical assistance, and they are also evaluating whether to support Cuba with fuel.

“Humanitarian aid is always provided, as you know, we oppose the blockade. CFE is in contact through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to assist the Cuban people with whatever they need… primarily technical help. We are also considering fuel aid if necessary.”