People’s Mañanera December 5

ByPedro Gellert Frank

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.

The press conference was led by Minister of the Interior Rosa Icela Rodríguez.

74% Approval & Invitation to “Morenafest”

A new poll was presented showing President Claudia Sheinbaum with a 74% approval rating. Rodríguez said that this popular support is the real answer to opposition attacks and emphasized that the President remains “always close to the people.”

The Minister also shared a video in which Sheinbaum invites the public to the celebration of seven years of the Fourth Transformation, to be held Saturday in Mexico City’s Zócalo square.

Water Law: Dialogue, Order, & Historic Progress

It was reported that protests have decreased thanks to dialogue and ongoing active working groups. Rodríguez thanked Congress for approving the reform after more than 24 hours in session, noting that the General Water Law may be published and thereby take effect immediately. She reiterated that “we are a government that listens (to the people),” but also a government committed to making the necessary changes to organize water management “and to do it right.”

The Ministry of the Interior thanked lawmakers, producers, and organizations that supported the new National Water Law, considered a historic step toward a fair distribution of the vital liquid.

Sheinbaum Begins U.S. Trip: Meetings, World Cup, & Immigrant Community

In addition to attending the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington, President Claudia Sheinbaum will hold separate bilateral meetings with her U.S. and Canadian counterparts to discuss key regional issues.

Before returning to Mexico, Sheinbaum will meet with Mexican immigrant communities. On Saturday, she will lead the national celebration of seven years of the Fourth Transformation.

Disability Pensions: Progress & Pending Tasks

In 2020, the disability pension became universal for children, and in 2024 it became universally applied. Rehabilitation was also established as a right—something not very common internationally.

More than 1.6 million disabled people under 65 currently receive the pension/stipend, with an annual investment exceeding 32 billion pesos (US$1.75 billion). The House-to-House Healthcare program has visited more than 1 million people with disabilities.

In eight states, universal coverage has not yet been achieved, as it is limited to people under 30, as well as to Indigenous and Afro-Mexican communities and those living in extreme poverty. Around 800,000 people aged 30 to 64 still lack access to this support. “This is a challenge for our government,” Rodríguez noted.

Mexico Strengthens Agricultural Support & Food Self-Sufficiency

Rosa Icela Rodríguez noted that few countries provide direct support in fertilizers as Mexico does. She noted that President Sheinbaum has strengthened programs to promote food self-sufficiency, and emphasized the importance of maintaining and expanding assistance for producers. The Federal Government and the Ministry of Agriculture will continue supporting agriculture in order to improve harvests and face international market challenges.