People’s Mañanera February 18
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.
Wellbeing Housing in Zacatecas
The Mexican government delivered 45 homes under the Wellbeing program in Zacatecas, to support low-income families. Governor David Monreal Ávila participated via remote link in the ceremony and thanked the federal government for its support. The event highlighted the goal of reducing the housing backlog with decent and accessible homes.
Constitutional Austerity: End to Privilege Pensions
President Claudia Sheinbaum will send a bill amending Article 127 of the Constitution to the Senate next Monday to end multi-million peso pensions for high-ranking officials. Cases such as the Luz y Fuerza electric power company, Pemex, and the Federal Electricity Commission concentrate retirement pensions that in some cases exceed the president’s salary.
The bill stipulates that no high-ranking retiree may receive more than half the President’s salary. This will allow resources to be redirected to social programs, reinforcing republican austerity.
International Solidarity with Cuba
The President welcomed Spain’s decision to join the ranks of countries sending humanitarian aid to Cuba and called on more nations to do so. Sheinbaum reiterated that Mexico will continue supporting the Cuban people and any nation in need, because solidarity and generosity are Mexico’s historic hallmark.
Energy Sovereignty with Environmental Responsibility
Sheinbaum reiterated that all countries must advance toward energy sovereignty. She recalled that Mexico already produces 85% of the gasoline it consumes, though 75% of natural gas still comes from Texas. She pointed to work on alternatives to extract gas without fracking, ensuring continuous baseload electricity generation, and eliminating fossil fuels by the end of her term in office.
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Workers Party Proposes to Guarantee Two Days of Rest
The deputies propose to reform Article 123 of Mexico’s Constitution to guarantee the right of two days of rest for every five days of work.
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Workers To Take Over Matamoros Maquiladora
The plant is one of the auto parts factories linked to First Brands Group, which declared bankruptcy at the end of January after executive fraud revelations.
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Steelworkers Plan Parallel Trip to Mexico During Labour-Excluded “Team Canada” Trade Mission
The Canadian-American labour delegation to Mexico includes representatives of the USW, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) and the AFL-CIO Solidarity Center.
