Conferencia de prensa matutina. Miércoles 20 de noviembre 2024 | Presidenta Claudia Sheinbaum

Reform of the Mexican Judicial System

Overview of the Conference

• The conference is held on November 20, commemorating the start of the Mexican Revolution. It will be brief due to a ceremony with the Secretary of National Defense and a parade.

• Present at the conference are Ernestín Agodói (Legal Advisor) and Arturo Saldívar (General Coordinator of Politics and Government), who will discuss three secondary laws related to judicial reform.

Key Legislative Initiatives

• Ernestín Agodói emphasizes that they are preparing all necessary legal frameworks for the new judicial power, ensuring that incoming judges have adequate resources to perform their duties.

• Three initiatives are being sent today: a new organic law for the judiciary, which aligns with constitutional reforms and reorganizes court operations. This includes changes in how ministers will work, moving away from traditional chambers.

Structure and Functionality of New Judicial Bodies

• The new organic law clearly defines the powers of various judicial bodies, including a Tribunal for Justice and a Judicial Discipline Tribunal, aimed at preventing arbitrariness in procedures. The tribunal will consist of five elected members serving as magistrates.

• There will be established supervision protocols for all judicial members to ensure clarity in operations within this new framework. Additionally, there is an emphasis on maintaining continuity in judicial careers through formal regulations.

Strengthening Judicial Education and Accountability

• Plans include strengthening the National School of Judicial Training to serve not only judges but also prosecutors and police personnel, enhancing overall judicial capacity across sectors. Responsibilities under administrative law are also being harmonized to clarify infractions and corresponding sanctions.

• For the first time, there will be oversight by a Tribunal that can address judges' conduct without removing their decisions but rather imposing penalties or referring cases to public prosecution if necessary. This aims at accountability within the judiciary system.

Upcoming Changes and Call for Participation

• Emphasis is placed on developing procedural laws essential for timely justice delivery; constitutional reforms set deadlines for criminal cases (one year) and tax matters (six months). Judges need tools to meet these timelines effectively.

Election Process Overview

Candidate Selection and Registration

• The process involves a selection where approximately one-third of the applicants will be chosen, resulting in 1,793 candidates for various judicial positions.

• There is an emphasis on timely registration to avoid missing out on opportunities; late submissions may lead to exclusion from the candidate pool.

• Positions available for election include roles in the Federal Judicial Power such as judges and magistrates across different courts.

• A micro-site provides detailed information about requirements and application processes, making it user-friendly for potential candidates.

• The registration process is quick, taking about five minutes once all necessary documents are prepared.

Current Registration Trends

• Initial low registration numbers were expected as candidates gathered required materials like essays and recommendations; however, registrations are now increasing significantly.

• A call to action encourages individuals to register before the deadline of November 24th at Registra Elección Judicial.ad.get.gov.mx.

International Relations and Peace Initiatives

Mexico's Role in Global Discussions

• The president reflects positively on Mexico's participation in international meetings, emphasizing its importance for bilateral agreements and multilateral discussions.

• A significant focus was placed on promoting peace during these discussions, with many countries echoing this sentiment alongside Mexico’s proposals against militarization.

Economic Proposals and Humanitarian Efforts

• Mexico proposes allocating 1% of its budget (approximately $2.4 trillion USD or $1.7 billion MXN currently allocated) towards humanitarian efforts aimed at reducing migration by supporting families in Central America.

• This initiative aims to engage six million farmers in sustainable practices that could yield agricultural outputs comparable to larger nations' land areas.

Emphasis on Peaceful Resolutions

• The G20 meeting highlighted calls for peace over military conflict, reinforcing that political dialogue should resolve disputes rather than warfare.

Budget Overview and Economic Insights

Current Economic Context

• The discussion highlights a positive economic outlook, surpassing even Canada, amidst skepticism from critics who anticipate setbacks despite favorable data.

Budget Presentation Details

• A comprehensive presentation of the income law and budget is scheduled for Monday by the Secretary of Finance, focusing on investment and welfare programs.

Welfare Programs Funding

• The Welfare Secretariat's budget is approximately 550 billion pesos, with total welfare program funding exceeding 700 billion pesos. New initiatives include support for women, children, and health services for seniors.

Health Budget Clarification

• Claims of a decrease in the health budget are refuted; funds are now allocated directly to the IMSS (Mexican Social Security Institute), ensuring coverage across all states.

Education and Public University Funding

• Despite a reported reduction affecting public universities due to a 5% cut in central government spending, efforts are underway to rectify this. Overall education funding is set to increase significantly.

Investment in Infrastructure

• The public investment budget stands at around 550 billion pesos, aimed at major infrastructure projects including trains and roads. Environmental budget cuts relate to water management rather than overall environmental concerns.

Strategic Projects and Salary Decisions

• While there’s a slight decrease in certain project budgets due to completion phases, significant investments remain for strategic projects like the Tren Maya. Salaries for high-level officials will not increase during their terms.

Economic Growth Projections

• An estimated economic growth rate of 2.3% is projected despite skepticism. The Secretary of Economy has an important investment portfolio aimed at fostering mixed investments without compromising sovereignty.

Fiscal Responsibility Measures

• The debt-to-GDP ratio remains stable despite minor increases in debt levels attributed to currency fluctuations. A responsible fiscal approach aims for a general deficit of 3.9%.

Political Opposition Dynamics

• There’s mention of political adversaries hoping for negative outcomes for Mexico; however, current indicators suggest otherwise as foreign direct investment rises alongside economic stability.

Discussion on Consumer Spending and Crime Trends in Mexico

Overview of Consumer Spending

• The recent "Buen Fin" event highlighted the availability of resources for consumption among Mexican families, indicating a positive trend in consumer spending.

• The speaker acknowledges the role of PROFECO (Federal Consumer Protection Agency) in presenting relevant statistics related to this consumer behavior.

Crime Statistics and Extortion Issues

• A report indicates that while most crimes have decreased, extortion has risen by 35%, raising concerns about public safety.

• Specific individuals involved in extortion are named, including Arturo Medina Montoya, who falsely claims to represent national investigations and is accused of demanding money from victims.

Complicity and Legal Actions

• There are allegations of complicity involving banks, particularly Banorte, where legal actions are underway against fraudulent activities.

• The speaker requests protection for victims targeted by extortionists like Medina, emphasizing the need for intervention from financial intelligence units.

Fraudulent Activities and Victim Support

• Reports suggest that fraudsters contact individuals at home, promising monetary benefits in exchange for personal banking information.

• A formal complaint is being prepared to protect victim identities while pursuing legal action against these fraudulent schemes.

G20 Conclusions and Environmental Proposals

Summary of G20 Discussions

• The discussion shifts to outcomes from the G20 summit, focusing on environmental issues raised by President Lula's proposals.

• Emphasis is placed on addressing global challenges such as the conflict between Ukraine and Russia during these discussions.

Bilateral Meetings with World Leaders

• Notable bilateral meetings occurred with President Biden and Prime Minister Trudeau regarding trade agreements beneficial to North America.

• The importance of T-MEC (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), which aims to enhance commercial relations among the three countries, was underscored during these talks.

Future Steps

Discussion on Education and International Relations

Importance of Education and Personal Connections

• The speaker discusses the significance of education, highlighting that their spouse is a teacher, which emphasizes personal connections in professional discussions.

• Acknowledgment of support received from China during Hurricane Otis, showcasing the importance of international cooperation in times of crisis.

Meetings with Latin American Leaders

• Engagement with President Petro focused on military engineers' involvement in strategic projects, indicating collaboration among Latin American countries (Brazil, Colombia, Chile).

• Emphasis on progressive governance and maintaining strong relationships among these nations; Mexico is viewed positively by its neighbors.

Trade Agreements and Economic Contributions

• Discussion about maintaining trade agreements between North America and China while emphasizing the benefits for all involved countries.

• The speaker stresses the need to document how trade agreements have benefited all three countries (Mexico, Canada, USA), countering misconceptions that only one country gains.

Support for Mexicans Abroad

• Highlighting the contributions of Mexicans in the U.S. economy; they are described as essential workers who significantly impact economic growth.

• Preparation for discussions with U.S. officials regarding Mexican contributions to the economy amidst concerns over deportations.

Legislative Changes and Regulatory Bodies

Proposed Legislative Reforms

• Introduction of legislative changes concerning autonomous agencies; first reading indicates potential restructuring within telecommunications regulatory bodies.

Merging Regulatory Agencies

• Indications that regulatory bodies may merge to comply with trade agreements like TEMEC; this could streamline operations but raises questions about independence.

Independence vs. Technical Oversight

• Clarification on new organizational structures where technical independence will be maintained despite merging agencies; aims to ensure transparency in permit allocation.

Antimonopoly Focus

Constitutional Changes and Governance

Establishing New Governance Structures

• The Constitution proposes a new framework for appointing the head of an organization, with direct executive appointment and Senate ratification as part of secondary law.

• Citizens will be included to ensure technical independence within the organization, maintaining the original intent to eliminate autonomous bodies while ensuring antitrust functions are upheld.

• The Linaí is set to be dissolved, transitioning its responsibilities to a special area within the Anti-Corruption and Good Governance Secretariat, eliminating unnecessary expenses associated with large organizations.

Corruption Allegations in Government

• Discussion centers on corruption linked to a cartel operating since the Benito Juárez mayoralty; notable figures from this group have been implicated by former President Felipe Calderón.

• Many individuals connected to this corrupt network have been arrested and acknowledged their culpability upon returning from exile, highlighting systemic issues recognized by citizens in Mexico City.

Diplomatic Relations with the U.S.

• A journalist seeks clarification on communication between President Biden and the Mexican government regarding future diplomatic actions under Trump’s administration.

• There was no direct response from Biden after a communication sent by López Obrador; it is emphasized that bilateral discussions should address pressing issues publicly.

Judicial Appointments and Challenges

• Anticipation surrounds potential communications between Biden's team and Trump's incoming administration regarding ongoing matters like those involving Mayo San Bada.

• The current judicial selection process has seen low participation rates, with only around 3,000 applicants for 5,000 positions available; concerns arise about whether this reflects poorly on initial outreach efforts.

Budgetary Considerations for Autonomous Bodies

• Discussions include potential budget reductions for autonomous entities like Linaí; any changes would require Congressional approval as they control modifications to federal expenditure budgets.

Discussion on Budget Approval and Fiscal Policy

Overview of Budget Approval Process

• The budget for autonomous organizations is evaluated by both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, indicating a collaborative legislative process.

• A report regarding budgetary issues related to "Jaqueo" will be presented soon, highlighting ongoing discussions about financial oversight.

International Relations and G20 Meetings

• The President discusses Mexico's role in upcoming G20 meetings, emphasizing the importance of maintaining relationships with countries like Indonesia and South Korea.

• There is a focus on whether future meetings will involve heads of state or their teams, underlining the significance of diplomatic engagement.

Fiscal Concerns from Jalisco Governor

• Enrique Alfaro, Governor of Jalisco, requests fair fiscal treatment and expresses concerns over budget allocations for 2025.

• The President reflects on historical proposals regarding fiscal contributions from wealthier states versus support for poorer ones.

Redistribution and Development Issues

• Emphasizes that development must be inclusive, particularly concerning indigenous communities; highlights the need for equitable resource distribution among states.

• Critiques the idea of withdrawing from the fiscal pact as it undermines collective support for less developed regions.

Future Engagement with State Governors

• The President acknowledges ongoing discussions with Governor Alfaro about his proposals while also looking forward to engaging with new leadership in December.

Improvements in Consular Services

Enhancements in Consulate Operations

• The President outlines efforts to improve consular services globally, especially in the U.S., addressing past shortcomings during previous administrations.

Focus Areas for Improvement

• Three main areas are targeted: modernization/digitalization of services, legal support for citizens abroad, and fostering direct communication between consulates and Mexican nationals.

Goals for Consular Efficiency

• Aims to streamline processes so that Mexicans can access consular services without long wait times or bureaucratic hurdles.

Legal Support Initiatives

• Highlights the importance of providing legal assistance to Mexicans living abroad as part of comprehensive consular support.

Support for Mexican Communities Across the Border

Addressing Consular Appointment Issues

• The speaker emphasizes that three measures will significantly assist Mexicans living across the border, with plans to meet consuls in January to discuss these initiatives.

• There is a call for regionalizing consular appointments to avoid long-distance calls from the U.S. to Mexico, as many individuals face challenges due to unfamiliarity with the system and geographical barriers.

Improving Consular Services

• The team responsible for improving appointment systems has been instructed to visit consulates in the U.S. to gather firsthand experiences from Mexicans undergoing processes there.

• The goal is to design a more effective system based on real feedback rather than theoretical assumptions about reducing bureaucratic hurdles.

Gender Representation in Judicial Elections

• A question arises regarding efforts to encourage women's participation in judicial elections, noting that only 30% of registered candidates are women.

• An urgent call is made for women to register before the deadline, highlighting the importance of increased female representation.

International Relations and Peace Efforts

• Discussion shifts towards a meeting with Germany's Chancellor, which was postponed due to domestic issues in Germany; however, relations between Mexico and Germany remain strong.

• The speaker comments on escalating violence between Ukraine and Russia, advocating for peace while acknowledging international calls for de-escalation.

Violence Crisis in Coaginicula

• A report details an unprecedented violence crisis in Coaginicula Paguero, including multiple homicides and threats against educators and children leading to school closures since September.

• In response, local teachers have reached out for federal support; the president commits to coordinating with security officials and state governance for assistance.

Cultural Spaces vs. Commercial Development

• Concerns arise over plans announced by Asipona regarding converting cultural spaces into commercial centers post-disaster recovery efforts after Hurricane Otis.

Discussion on Art and Culture in Acapulco

The Role of Private Investment

• A proposal is made to transform the "jardín del arte" into a space for art and culture rather than commercial use, emphasizing the blend of tradition and contemporary elements as suggested by Claudia Curiel, Secretary of Culture.

• The government is inviting private investment in various areas of Acapulco, including tourism initiatives like increasing cruise ship arrivals, although specific plans for the art garden are not included.

Economic Reactivation Efforts

• Sebastián Ramírez, Secretary of Tourism, is tasked with overseeing economic reactivation efforts in Acapulco. He will reach out to cultural communities to develop this area further.

• There are ongoing discussions about community engagement through institutions like Colegio Sanil de Fonso to facilitate reflections on recent developments.

Community Concerns and Censuses

• Residents from Costa Chica municipalities have raised concerns over blockades due to dissatisfaction with census accuracy. They seek verification from authorities regarding the census process.

• The impact of Hurricane Yona is highlighted; it affected 80% of Guerrero's municipalities compared to Hurricane Lotis which primarily impacted only Acapulco and Coluca.

Support Mechanisms for Families

• A system is proposed where families who did not receive support can contact a designated number for assistance. This approach emphasizes direct one-on-one support rather than organizational aid.

• The importance of individual assessments for families needing help post-disaster is reiterated, ensuring that all eligible families receive necessary support without reverting to past inefficiencies.

Addressing Misinformation

• The session concludes with a discussion on misinformation surrounding judicial reforms being sent to the Senate.

• Emphasis is placed on combating false narratives that undermine public trust in institutions and human rights efforts.

Clarifications on Recent News Regarding Pemex and Healthcare

Pemex Credit Cancellation Rumors

• The U.S. government allegedly canceled a credit to Pemex due to supposed oil donations to Cuba; however, this claim is false.

• As of 2023, Pemex clarified that there are no fines or cancellations of credits from Exynbank.

• In August 2023, Pemex reached an agreement with the bank to withdraw its credit application.

Surgical Procedures Status

• Claims about urgent surgeries being canceled and rescheduled for 2025 are incorrect.

• The General Director of the Institute of Security and Social Services for State Workers in Jalapa confirmed that urgent surgical procedures continue as normal.

• Recently, a clinic successfully conducted cataract surgeries for 300 patients.

Hospital Incident Clarification

• Reports of a shooting at the Regional General Hospital Number 1 in Cuernavaca are also false.