People’s Mañanera December 19

ByPedro Gellert

Every day, President Claudia Sheinbaum gives a morning presidential press conference and Mexico Solidarity Media posts English language summaries, translated by Mexico Solidarity’s Pedro Gellert Frank. Previous press conference summaries are available here.

Larger middle class, less poverty

The Mexican government noted that the country is experiencing a record reduction in poverty and unprecedented growth of the middle class. Using data from the World Bank and the National Statistics Institute (INEGI), it reported that poverty levels fell from 41.9% in 2018 to 29.6% in 2025, and that Mexico, along with Brazil, leads the growth in the middle-class in Latin America.

The Fourth Transformation reshapes the country’s social structure

President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized that, for the first time in recent history, there are more Mexicans in the middle class than living in poverty. She explained that in that in the past presidential administration alone, poverty was reduced by nearly 13 points while the middle class grew by around 21 points—a clear contrast with previous governments.

Mexico strengthens its position ahead of the USMCA review

Sheinbaum reported that agreements were reached with Canada on non-tariff barriers, including energy issues and specific cases such as Calica (the large limestone quarry and port facility near Playa del Carmen), placing Mexico in a stronger position for the upcoming review of the trade agreement.

Trade dialogue with Asia to strengthen domestic production

The government has working groups with India, China, and South Korea to explore trade agreements that boost domestic production without generating inflation or affecting prices, especially in sectors dependent on imported inputs.

From assistance-based policies to social rights

A contrast was drawn between the social programs from the neoliberal period, which were assistance-based and market-conditioned, and the 4T’s Well-Being Programs, which now operate as a policy based on the concept of universal rights, without intermediaries for delivering the aid, and with a priority for Indigenous peoples as rights holders. It was noted that the senior citizen pension/stipend originated with Andrés Manuel López Obrador as head of the Mexico City government and that, under the Fourth Transformation, it has seen the largest increases in history, both in amount and coverage, consolidating a new way of building citizenship through well-being.

Grupo Salinas must pay 51 billion pesos to the Tax Authority (SAT)

The Tax Administration Service (SAT) reported that, following a final ruling by the Supreme Court (SCJN), Grupo Salinas must pay 51 billion pesos (US$2.83 billion) for back taxes from 2008–2013. Sheinbaum noted that this is a legal process, that the money received will benefit the people, and that record tax collection has enabled greater public investment.

Acapulco is being transformed through public work projects, mobility, and social recovery

As part of the Acapulco is Being Transformed with You program, the rehabilitation of the Miguel Alemán Coastal Avenue was inaugurated. It includes safe mobility measures such as sidewalks, sheltered bus stops, signage, 11 safe crossings, 34 playful figures, 400 meters of drainage, and the installation of 800 solar streetlights. In addition, the Marinabús is now operating daily.

Guerrero Governor Evelyn Salgado reported that the transformation is continuing with the Parque Papagayo full of life, rehabilitated roads with lighting and resurfacing, two new scenic viewing platforms, 200 large-format murals being placed in different neighborhoods, and the recovery of 5,300 homes.