VOLTAR

1. Deputies approve energy reform 

The Chamber of Deputies approved a constitutional reform that prioritizes the Mexican state in the generation of electricity, reestablishing the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) and Pemex as public state enterprises. This reform, which modifies Articles 25, 27, and 28 of the Constitution, eliminates a paragraph assigning responsibility to the state for the energy transition and pollution reduction, sparking controversy and debate between the opposition and the governing legislative group.

The reform establishes that the CFE will produce at least 54% of the electricity in the country, while private companies will generate the remaining 46%. Additionally, it states that the state’s exercise in strategic areas such as lithium and internet services will not be considered monopolies. 

Aristegui Noticias: Morena y aliados aprueban reforma para dar prevalencia a CFE sobre privados.

Animal Político: Diputados aprueban prioridad a CFE en mercado eléctrico; eliminan de reforma responsabilidad del Estado en transición energética.

2. Senate votes to increase minimum wage according to inflation 

The Senate of the Republic unanimously approved a reform that guarantees the annual increase in the minimum wage will not fall below inflation, a proposal submitted in February by former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. The reform aims to halt the erosion of purchasing power and improve working conditions for public servants.

Despite the majority support, the opposition warned that the measure is insufficient and raised various concerns about its implications. After being discussed and approved without changes, the bill will be debated in the state legislatures to complete its legislative process. 

El Economista: Senado avala indexar el salario mínimo a la inflación.

3. President of the Chamber of Deputies passes away, successor elected

Ifigenia Martínez, president of the Chamber of Deputies and a pioneer in Mexican politics, passed away at the age of 94 on October 5. Her death was confirmed by President Claudia Sheinbaum, who highlighted her legacy and the significance of receiving the presidential sash from her on October 1. Martínez, an economist trained at UNAM and Harvard, had a notable political career as a co-founder of the PRD, leaving a lasting impact in the fight for equality and the advancement of women’s political rights in the country.

Following a solemn tribute, Deputy Sergio Gutiérrez Luna was elected as the new president of the Chamber of Deputies on Tuesday, with Dolores Padierna serving as the first vice president.

El País: El Congreso despide a Ifigenia Martínez, la mujer casi centenaria que rompió los techos de cristal.

El Universal: Sergio Gutiérrez Luna rinde protesta como Presidente de la Cámara de Diputados; sustituye a Ifigenia Martínez.

4. Secondary laws for the election of judges approved 

After 10 hours of debate, the Senate approved two secondary laws proposed by President Claudia Sheinbaum to regulate the election process for judges, magistrates, and ministers. The reforms to the General Law of Institutions and Electoral Procedures (Legipe) and the General Law of Electoral Challenge Procedures were sent to the Chamber of Deputies to continue the legislative process.

Despite various criticisms and concerns from opposition legislators, the Morena party secured the required votes. The judicial elections are scheduled for June 1, 2025, and will allow citizens to vote for new judges, as well as reduce the Supreme Court from 11 to nine members.

La Jornada: Senado aprueba leyes secundarias de reforma judicial.

El Economista: Leyes secundarias de la reforma judicial avanzan en el Senado.

5. President meets with business leaders 

President Claudia Sheinbaum met with Francisco Cervantes, the president of the Business Coordinating Council (CCE), to discuss crucial topics for public-private cooperation, such as containing the prices of basic goods, infrastructure development, and nearshoring. The CCE highlighted the business sector’s commitment to addressing inflation and improving the relocation of companies, laying the groundwork for fruitful collaboration between the public and private sectors. Proposals were also presented to strengthen micro, small, and medium enterprises (MiPyMEs) and attract investments in strategic areas.

Milenio: Sheinbaum y CCE dialogan contención de precios, infraestructura y nearshoring para México.