People’s Mañanera August 8
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.
Results of the Institute to Return Stolen Goods to the People Auction
Mónica Fernández, head of the Institute to Return Stolen Goods to the People, presented the results of its latest online auction. A total of 15,218 interested parties registered, of which 867 actively participated in bidding for various items. In total, 107,066 goods were sold, with committed sales amounting to over 40.95 million pesos (US$2.21 million).
President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that the funds raised will be allocated to Healthcare Centers included in the Amuzgo Justice Plan.
It was also reported that both online and in-person auctions will take place during August. On the website subastasenlinea.indep.gob.mx, direct sales of movable goods are also available, with prices ranging from 1 to 5,000 pesos (US$0.05 to US$269).
Promotion of Mexican Handicrafts
Marina Núñez, Deputy Minister for Cultural Development at the Ministry of Culture, reported that the economic activity generated by handicrafts in 2023 reached almost 156.36 billion pesos (US$8.43 billion), equivalent to 0.52% of GDP. She said that around 7,500 artisans have benefited directly or indirectly through events organized by the Ministry.
Cultural Appropriation of Artisan Designs
Núñez also denounced a case of cultural appropriation by Adidas and a designer, who reproduced traditional Yalalag huaraches sandals (from Oaxaca) without authorization. Adidas has reportedly contacted the state government and talks are underway to agree on reparations for the affected community.
Mexico Sings Contest and Cultural Promotion
Minister of Culture Claudia Curiel announced that the semifinals of the Mexico Sings contest will begin airing on Sunday, August 17, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM on public media. She explained that this contest is part of the Comprehensive Strategy for Addressing the Root Causes of Violence and Addictions.
Opinion on U.S. Security Policy
Sheinbaum commented on the executive order signed by President Donald Trump, authorizing the U.S. military to combat fentanyl trafficking. She clarified that this measure does not involve Mexican territory, as it is an internal U.S. question.
Announcement of Electoral Reform Forums
The President announced that during the August 11 morning press conference, Pablo Gómez will present the plan for holding consultation forums on the Electoral Reform. These forums will include participation from politicians, experts, National Electoral Institute (INE) board members, and representatives from Indigenous communities and civil society.
She clarified that the Presidential Commission for Electoral Reform will not prepare an initial proposal. Instead, the forums and debates will serve as the starting point for drafting new electoral legislation.
Recollection of 2006 Impeachment Attempt and Criticism of Conservatism
Sheinbaum recalled that Vicente Fox, Carlos Salinas, Diego Fernández, and sectors of the PRI and PAN tried to block Andrés Manuel López Obrador from becoming president through an impeachment attempt for allegedly violating a court injunction. Their goal was to disqualify him from the presidential race. She explained that the attempt failed due to popular support for AMLO and mass mobilizations. She also criticized the media campaign labeling AMLO “a danger to Mexico” and accused Luis Carlos Ugalde, then head of the IFE, of blocking a recount of the vote following the electoral fraud.
She recalled that this sparked a historic civil resistance that culminated in the Reforma Avenue sit-in, a symbol of the fight for democracy.
Criticism of Conservatism and the PAN
Finally, the President pointed out the hypocrisy of Mexican conservatism, noting that the PAN president—whom she linked to the real estate cartel in the Benito Juárez borough in Mexico City— was outraged because a governor rode in an SUV, while hiding much more serious scandals within his own party.
NYT: Trump Secretly Authorized Military Strikes on “Cartels”, Sheinbaum says There Will be no Invasion
President Claudia Sheinbaum ruled out the possibility of a military invasion by the United States into Mexican national territory, says she was informed of the executive order.
Mexico Says No Evidence, Not Investigating US President Trump’s Accusations Against Venezuelan President Maduro
President Claudia Sheinbaum completely ruled out Mexico having any information about ties Trump alleges Maduro has with the Sinaloa Cartel.
El Machete on Zapata
El Machete on Zapata
“How the ruling petite bourgeoisie has forgotten its promises!” 1929 editorial from the Communist Party of Mexico’s newspaper on the tenth anniversary of the passing of the hero and martyr of the Mexican Revolution, Emiliano Zapata.
Another Migrant Caravan, But Not to the US
The caravan of 300 which departed Chiapas are looking for residency and employment.
Mexico City Workfare Will Offer Monthly Support to Parents Over 30
The program will be available for residents of neighbourhoods with high incidence of crime, who will be able to access a benefit of 8,500 pesos monthly for a year.
People’s Mañanera August 7
President Sheinbaum’s daily press conference, with comments on pharmaceutical industry foreign investments, Wellbeing Hub public-private partnership, September legislative bills, discriminatory remarks, and economic indicators.
App Worker Union Warns of Mass Exclusion in Social Security Program
Formalizing employment is a step forward, but the income threshold incentivizes platforms to throttle workers’ hours to avoid social security contributions.
Trump’s Trade War as Political Blackmail
For Trump, tariffs are far from a trade policy measure; they are desperate actions by a declining power, trying to halt the transition to a multipolar world where American hegemony will be a thing of the past.
Supreme Court to Review Which Union Rightfully Represents Workers at Camino Rojo Mine
Mexico’s highest court will examine violations against workers from the Mineros’ union, committed by the Canadian company Orla Mining, which has pressured them to join a pro-company protection union.
People’s Mañanera August 6
President Sheinbaum’s daily press conference, with comments on Alameda Oriente infrastructure, digital platform workers rights, Canadians, Fourth Transformation unity, and debunking circulating rumours.
Sheinbaum Meets with Canadian Ministers, Prepares for Visit from Prime Minister Carney
President Sheinbaum revealed Canada wants to expand investment in Mexico, while she also emphasized the need for Canadian mining companies to comply with environmental regulations.
Soberanía 70: Bridges, Not Walls
Is there any way for the peoples of the Americas to truly understand each other? Dispatches from the Pan-American Congress and good news on reducing poverty, rescuing PEMEX and holding tariffs at bay. Plus, expanding the definition of “cartel” north of the Rio Grande.
Song of the Stubborn One Thousand
An interview with Peter Shapiro on the Watsonville Canning Strike of 1985-87.
People’s Mañanera August 5
President Claudia Sheinbaum’s daily press conference, with comments on PEMEX, murder of Federal Attorney General staff member in Tamaulipas, and US-Mexico security agreement.
Day Labourers: Victims of Cruelty
There are more than 5 million agricultural day labourers in Mexico, approximately half of whom lack employment contracts, benefits and health services; many are Indigenous, often children work in the fields. These workers produce untold wealth for Mexican and transnational agribusiness corporations, in conditions of extreme exploitation and abuse.
Mexico & The Uncomfortable Proximity
Mexico can’t choose its neighbors, but Mexico can choose a new path of unity and strength with other Latin American and Global South countries that share our values to make us stronger.
Asymmetric Dependence, the New Economic Order
Mexico ceased to be energy sovereign in 2014, but rebuilding state-owned enterprises gives it the flexibility and capacity to avoid Trump using energy as a weapon to extract concessions and halt the national development of strategic sectors. Europe is too far gone.
People’s Mañanera August 4
President Claudia Sheinbaum’s daily press conference, with comments on remittance prices, basic basket of goods prices, Tuxtepec hospital opens, youth weight and vision issues, Israel Vallarta, electoral reform, & ABC Daycare owner extradition.
Alito in the US: Betrayal, Escape or Both?
The President of PRI and former Campeche Governor appears to be hiding out in the US, facing accusations of embezzling over 83 million pesos during his governorship and potentially having his immunity from prosecution stripped.
Pan-American Congress Against Advance of Fascism Held in Mexico City
In the Mexican Senate, legislators from across the continent agreed to push for concrete commitments to confront the right wing shift, to raise their voices in support of migrantes and demand an end to the genocide in Gaza.
Tuxpan Prison Riot: 7 Dead, 11 Injured in Veracruz
Despite government plans to reduce crime rates, conditions at the Social Reintegration Centers across Mexico demonstrate the need for profound reform to eradicate corruption at its roots.
Fidel, Chávez, AMLO and Petro
Eliminating the luxury of a few and reducing the hunger of millions is not a simple slogan; it’s a social and cultural law that must be fulfilled to prevent the disappearance of life on Earth.
Clicks August 3
Our weekly press roundup of Mexican political stories, including SINTTIA union loses GM plant vote, tarrifs, poverty reduction, electoral reform, Nissan plant closure, education policy, and right wing opposition collaborating with US imperialism.