Back

1. Congressmen Approve Expenditure Budget 2025 

The Chamber of Deputies approved the 2025 Federal Expenditure Budget (PEF) after several days of debates and political tensions. With a total amount of $9.3 trillion pesos, the budget includes a 1.9% cut with respect to 2024 and reallocations of $44,421 million pesos. Among the most affected institutions are the INE and the Judiciary Power, which suffered reallocations in the ruling. Despite criticism, especially for the 11% reduction in the health budget, the PEF was approved without accepting any reservations from the opposition.

During the discussions, the opposition described the process as irresponsible and criticized the lack of support for key sectors, while Morena defended the allocations as part of the new government’s priorities. With this approval, the Ministry of Finance will seek to reduce the fiscal deficit from 5.9% to 3.9% of the GDP, prioritizing programmable spending on services to the population and strategically reallocating resources. After its approval, the budget was sent to the Executive for its official publication.

El Economista: Diputados aprueban primer presupuesto del gobierno de Sheinbaum; avalan recorte al gasto de 1.9%.

El Financiero: Presupuesto 2025: Diputados lo aprueban con 9.3 bdp, entre insultos y a punto de irse a los golpes.

2. Changes in Supreme Court leadership announced

Loretta Ortiz Ahlf was unanimously elected president of the First Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation, a position she will assume in January 2025. The proposal was made by Justice Alfredo Gutiérrez Ortiz Mena and was supported by the other members. Justice Ortiz, who joined the First Chamber in November 2023, has experience in civil and criminal matters.

On the other hand, the outgoing presiding justice, Norma Piña, presented her last report denouncing the increasing attacks on the Judicial Branch by the current administration. She criticized the recent judicial reform, which she considers undermines the independence of the Federal Judicial Power (PJF). Piña pointed out cases of government interference, including violations of judicial suspensions, threats to judges and political persecution.

El Financiero: Eligen a la ministra Loretta Ortiz como presidenta de la Primera Sala de la Corte.

Proceso: En su último informe, Norma Piña denuncia los ataques y amenazas de la 4T contra la SCJN.

3. President reacts to ambassador’s appointment

During her morning conference, President Claudia Sheinbaum commented that Mexico will cooperate with the next U.S. ambassador, but will defend its sovereignty. Although she pledged to work with Ronald Johnson, nominated by President-elect Donald Trump, Sheinbaum stressed that her government will prioritize national interests and sovereignty. She stressed that any collaboration with the United States will be between equals and rejected subordination policies of the past. She also addressed bilateral issues such as arms trafficking and tariffs, assuring that her administration will not give in to external pressures.

Outgoing U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar expressed confidence in Ronald Johnson’s credentials to strengthen relations between the two countries. Salazar, whose term ends on January 7, 2025, noted that Johnson’s extensive experience in international roles could benefit both nations.

Milenio: Vamos a cooperar con próximo embajador de EU, pero se defenderá soberanía: Sheinbaum.

Expansión Política: “Tiene mucha experiencia, ayudará mucho”, recula Ken Salazar sobre Johnson.

4. Deputies approve labor reform for digital platform workers

The Chamber of Deputies approved by majority a reform that recognizes the labor status of workers of digital platforms, such as Uber Eats, Rappi and DidiFood. The initiative, promoted by President Claudia Sheinbaum, ensures rights such as affiliation to IMSS and Infonavit, social security, profit sharing, Christmas bonus and vacations. It also guarantees fair working conditions, such as limits on working hours, the right to digital disconnection and transparency in the calculation of rates and commissions.

The reform seeks to benefit 658,000 delivery drivers in Mexico, although experts warn that only some 272,000, who earn income equal to or higher than the minimum wage, will enjoy the benefits. The implementation of this reform will imply a tripartite contribution to social security by workers, employers and the government, with a term of 180 days for the IMSS to define operating criteria. The ruling was turned to the Senate for discussion and eventual approval.

El Financiero: Reforma laboral de plataformas: Diputados aprueban iniciativa y pasa al Senado.

5. Sales increase reported for November, driven by the Buen Fin

The National Association of Supermarkets and Department Stores (ANTAD) reported a nominal growth of 7.6% during November 2024 compared to figures observed in November 2023. Total sales exceeded $158 billion pesos, while cumulative sales from January to November 2024 reached $1.457 trillion pesos. The positive variation is mainly attributable to the 14th edition of the Buen Fin, during which ANTAD member chains recorded sales of $44 billion pesos, an increase of 9.8% compared to 2023.

El Universal: Crece 4.9% ventas en tiendas y supermercados en noviembre; variación positiva se debe a Buen Fin 2024: ANTAD.