Student dies after clashes at UNAM Naucalpan campus

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May 9, 2024

CCH Naucalpan campus entry — The clashes occurred outside the campus of the College of Sciences and Humanities (CCH) in Naucalpan, a municipality in the Mexico City metropolitan area. (Cuartoscuro/2015)

Nine people were arrested in connection with an outbreak of violence outside a university campus in México state on Wednesday.

A 19-year-old man died at the scene, but authorities attributed his death to a fall rather than the clash between students from different educational institutions.

The government of Naucalpan, a municipality in the metropolitan area of greater Mexico City, said in a statement that municipal police arrested eight men and a woman “for their probable participation” in the “violent events” that occurred outside the Naucalpan campus of the National Autonomous University’s College of Sciences and Humanities (CCH).

The CCH said in a statement that there was a “physical confrontation and several detonations of firecrackers” outside its Naucalpan campus at approximately 6 p.m. Wednesday.

It said that the clash was between “grupos porriles,” incendiary student groups that, according to the El País newspaper, are made up of “people who tend to respond to specific interests, and through organized violence generally seek to sabotage student life and break the dynamics inside [educational] institutions to achieve their objectives.”

Members of such groups are called porros.

Graffiti on a median that reads "Get porros out of UNAM" — In 2018, there was violence caused by “porros” at UNAM campuses and student protests followed. (Cuartoscuro)

At least two people were injured during Wednesday’s clash, and the 19-year-old man identified as a student at the Faculty of Superior Studies Acatlán, another National Autonomous University (UNAM) campus, was found dead near the entrance to CCH Naucalpan. He had reportedly gone to the CCH campus to assist his 17-year-old brother.

The newspaper La Jornada was among the media outlets that published footage of the violent clash.

Initial reports said that the deceased man, identified as Óscar Yael, was beaten to death by porros, but later on Wednesday night UNAM issued a statement saying that he died as a result of a fall from a “vehicular bridge.”

A number of students challenged that claim, pointing out that the bridge from which the man supposedly fell is some distance from the entrance to the CCH campus, where the clash began.

One person described UNAM’s statement as “incongruent” and “harmful” and asserted that Óscar Yael was beaten to death “in front of the campus.”

The news website Infobae reported that the man managed to get up after falling from the bridge and walked to the entrance of the CCH campus with the assistance of his brother. He then reportedly collapsed and died.

¡Fatal!

Muere estudiante de FES Acatlán atacado a golpes por porros en CCH Naucalpan

🔴 Hay 15 lesionados
🔴 Grupo porril lanzó petardos
🔴 Detienen a 7
🔴 UNAM informa que joven murió tras caer de un puente vehicular
🔴 Suspenden clases hasta el lunes 13 de mayo pic.twitter.com/b1pAjSw2gY

— Melissa Vega (@MelissaVegaTV) May 9, 2024

In this security camera footage, students are seen running away from the clashes.

UNAM modified its statement later on Wednesday night, saying once again that the man died due to injuries caused by a fall but removing the reference to a bridge.

The university said that two other young people were injured, although some media reports placed the figure at 10 or higher. UNAM said that those injured received immediate assistance from medical personnel.

“Due to what happened, the campus authorities shielded the facilities to provide greater security to the university community and the decision was taken to suspend activities tomorrow, Thursday [May] 9, in order to facilitate the investigations of the México state Attorney General’s Office,” UNAM said.

The university said that the confrontation was between “two groups of young people presumably from different education institutions,” but it didn’t cite a specific reason for the clash.

The newspaper Milenio reported that “according to witnesses,” a group of approximately 150 porros from Colegio de Bachilleres 5 arrived outside the CCH Naucalpan campus “and hit all the students they encountered.”

The El Universal newspaper said that students from Bachilleres 5 and another school known as Voca 2 are “rivals” of CCH students.

In its statement, the Naucalpan government said that those involved in the clash “were identified as porros by the students themselves.”

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said Thursday that an investigation into the events outside the CCH Naucalpan campus was underway.

“Regrettably a young man died in this clash between groups and the investigation is already being carried out,” he told reporters at his morning press conference.

Grupos porriles have existed in Mexico for more than 100 years. The name is reportedly derived from the word porra, which can mean (the often boisterous) fans of a sports team.

With reports from La Jornada, Publimetro, Infobae, Milenio and El Universal

Brutal heat wave continues to plague Mexico, but relief in sight

By

MND Staff

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May 9, 2024

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A middle-aged Mexican woman standing next to a building with a large blue and white scarf hanging over her head and shoulders to protect herself from high temperatures in Oaxaca city during a heat wave — A woman shields herself from the sun in Oaxaca city. A heat wave across Mexico was expected to bring up to 50 C (122 F) temperatures to parts of the state Thursday. (Carolina Jiménez/Cuartoscuro)

With Thursday turning out to be another scorcher, people across Mexico are hoping for relief from a heat wave that has already been blamed for at least two deaths and has strained the national power grid.

The heat wave’s soaring temperatures have prompted greater demand for electricity throughout Mexico and mass power outages affected many cities on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Two Mexican men on a moped driving through Mexico City streets and carrying an umbrella over their heads to shield themselves from the sun — Moped riders in Mexico City beat the heat wave with an umbrella to shield themselves from record-breaking temperatures in Mexico Wednesday. (Moisés Pablo Nava/Cuartoscuro)

The high temperatures have been fatal in Oaxaca — state authorities are investigating the death on Wednesday of a 9-year-old boy which, if attributed to heat stroke, would be the third heat wave-related death in Oaxaca in as many days.

Mexico City set a new temperature record on Tuesday, but record highs could be set again elsewhere today as meteorologists were forecasting temps between 45 C and 50 C (115 F to 122 F) in the northeast, along the Gulf coast and in Morelos, Oaxaca and Guerrero.

Highs of 35 C to 40 C (95 F to 104 F) plagued parts of the northwest, the Pacific Coast and the Bajío region Thursday. At the same time, the Mexico City metro area saw temperatures ranging from 30 C to 35 C (86 F to 95 F).

The National Energy Control Center (Cenace) declared a state of emergency Wednesday afternoon and evening, as 14 states from Tamaulipas to Chiapas suffered blackouts.

Manuel Bartlett, head of Mexico's Federal Electricity Commission, stands at a press conference in thought — After power outages occurred across Mexico this week, head of the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) Manuel Bartlett was summoned to the National Palace for a meeting with President López Obrador. (Cuartoscuro)

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador summoned CFE director Manuel Bartlett to the National Palace on Wednesday night to discuss the situation, though neither has issued a statement.

At his Thursday morning press conference, López Obrador said Cenace and the CFE were working to prevent further blackouts. While the president said that there wouldn’t be more blackouts — suggesting that the power outages were a fluke due to the intense temperatures the nation has been experiencing this week — he also appeared to acknowledge that there are issues with power generation capacity, which he blamed on the use of private energy companies.

“Half of the [grid’s] generation of electricity is produced by private companies, and we have to come to agreements so that the [generation] plants are in good condition,” López Obrador said.

With the heat wave and subsequent power outages, criticism is mounting regarding the management of the nation’s power grid. Energy analysts interviewed by the newspaper Reforma accuse the federal government of abandoning the country’s electricity system, arguing that it has been “ideological” and “political” in its energy policy.

El Universal columnist Mario Maldonado noted that Cenace had issued “alerts” — one step below a state of emergency — on 22 occasions in April, suggesting that the power grid is struggling and that blackouts could be a recurring problem this summer.

The country can expect a bit of relief from the heat by the weekend, according to the National Meteorological Service (SMN), which has forecast a cold front coming down from the north. Along with the lower temperatures, a band of precipitation can be expected from the northwest down to the central highlands beginning on Friday.

With reports from Milenio, Aristegui Noticias and Meteored

Inflation in Mexico rose in April; central bank expected to hold off on rate cut

By

MND Staff

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May 9, 2024

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Vendor and customers at a fruit and vegetable market stall — Mexico's annual headline inflation rate crept up to 4.65% in April, the highest level since January. (Cuartoscuro)

Headline inflation in Mexico increased for a second consecutive month in April to reach its highest level since January.

The national statistics agency INEGI reported Thursday that the annual headline rate was 4.65% in April, up from 4.42% in March.

The rate — the highest since a 4.88% reading in January — was slightly above the 4.63% consensus forecast of analysts surveyed by Citibanamex.

Month-over-month inflation was 0.20% in April, while the closely watched annual core inflation rate, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, declined for a 15th consecutive month to reach 4.37%, down from 4.55% in March. The core rate was slightly lower that expected.

The publication of the inflation data for April comes ahead of the monetary policy meeting of the Bank of Mexico’s governing board on Thursday.

The central bank lowered its benchmark interest rate to 11% in March, but is not expected to make an additional cut on Thursday. Bloomberg reported that the higher-than-expected inflation rate in April likely cements a rate hold.

“This is likely not the type of print that gives the central bank great comfort,” said Alberto Ramos, chief Latin America economist at Goldman Sachs. “We expect the board to hold interest rates at 11%.”

Fruit and vegetable prices soar

INEGI data shows that fruit and vegetables were 18.57% more expensive in April than in the same month a year earlier, up from a 12.25% annual increase in March. Prices rose 3.94% compared to March.

INEGI reported that serrano peppers were 64.42% more expensive in April than in March, while prices for “other fresh chilis” rose 33.56%. Green tomatoes were 24.25% dearer than a month earlier, while shoppers paid 13.67% more for regular tomatoes.

Chili peppers — The price of chili peppers ballooned in April, with some varieties increasing as much as 64% compared to March. (Wikimedia Commons)

Prices for oranges and avocados also rose by double-digit percentages.

Vegetable lovers would have been better off buying onions, cucumbers, potatoes and beans last month as prices for those products all declined compared to March.

Economic consultancy Pantheon Macroeconomics noted that “poor climatic conditions” — including drought — are having an impact on prices for fresh food and are thus “limiting the disinflationary trend at a general level.”

Other inflation data in detail

Prices for agricultural products — fruit and vegetables and meat — increased 7.35% in April on a year-over-year basis. The increase was tempered by a 1.13% decline in meat prices.
Services were 5.21% more expensive than a year earlier. Within that category, housing costs increased 3.73%, school fees rose 6.36% and “other services” were 6.19% more expensive.
Processed food, beverages and tobacco were 4.79% more expensive than in April 2023.
The cost of non-food goods rose 2.34% on an annual basis.
Energy prices, including those for gasoline and electricity, increased 3.98% annually, but declined 1.64% compared to March as lower “hot season” electricity rates took effect in a number of cities.

With reports from El Economista and El Financiero

The insider’s guide to investing in real estate in Mérida

By

Stewart Merritt

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May 9, 2024

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geovanny-alvarado-P93EKv5apiQ-unsplash — There's something for everyone in the Yucatán capital. Find out which neighbourhood is right for you. (Geovanny Alvarado/Unsplash)

Mérida, the vibrant, sweltering capital of the state of Yucatán, is currently experiencing a booming real estate market, attractive to local and foreign investors alike. Potential buyers are lured by the city’s cultural wealth, its ranking as the safest city in the safest state in Mexico and its proximity to the Mayan ruins, cenotes, and beaches that highlight the peninsula. As a result, Mérida real estate is proving to be extremely desirable for those seeking a new life in the sun.

With over 1 million residents and counting, Mérida retains a uniquely yucatense charm, with a vibrant cultural scene and a slower, almost pueblo-like pace when compared to other similarly-sized Mexican cities. Expat immigrants in Mérida typically cite its colonial architecture, dynamic culinary scene, and proximity to other attractions (such as cenotes and beaches) for their choice.

So, where are the most attractive neighbourhoods in the city found?

The charming colonial center of Mérida is amongst the most pleasant in all of Mexico. (Elelicht/Wikimedia)

Mérida’s Real Estate Landscape

Mérida’s central district, known as Centro has a strong claim as the most beautiful in Mexico. It is home to colonial architecture, incredible food, culture and nightlife. As beautiful as the area is, however, most long-term residents prefer to live outside of the traffic snarls and parking issues of the downtown.

Heading north from Centro, Mérida’s most famous street is the Paseo de Montejo, a beautiful, leafy artery. The avenue is lined with hip shops, restaurants and seventeenth-century palacios of the era’s agricultural barons.

Keep heading north from Montejo and you encounter some of Mérida’s most desirable neighborhoods where you can find modern homes, easy parking and access to the best schools and higher-end shopping.

Also of note: The Mérida Norte area boasts some of Yucatán’s most modern hospitals, such as Star Médica and El Faro de Mayab.

Which suburbs are best for real estate in Mérida?

If you’re looking outside of Centro, there are many suburbs that can offer your a luxurious life in the Yucatán sun. (Mike Juarez/Unsplash)

Some of the neighborhoods of note in this area include:

Montebello. A tranquil residential area known for its tree-lined streets and upscale homes, a world away from the bustle of the centro.

Price range US$175,000 to $474,000

Altabrisa. A lively residential and shopping area characterized by modern amenities and high-end living options.

Price range: US$295,000 to US$1.2 million

Montes de Ame. A family-friendly neighborhood with a mix of parks, schools, and shopping.

Price range: US$150,000 to $350,000

Temozón Norte. A rapidly-growing area with easy access to the infrastructure and amenities of all the northern areas of Mérida.

Price range: US$240,000 to $700,000 for larger estates.

San Ramón Norte. A blend of the old and the new, where the buyer can find a mix of modern residences and restored colonial buildings.

Price range: US$120,000 to $300,000

City limits

Further north, outside of the periferíco (a freeway that rings the city), you have a chance to spread out on a bigger-sized lot as much of what was once farmland has been taken over by modern townhouse developments and houses with small lots. The east, south, and far west of the city are places where you can find far more economical properties that still retain an authentic charm, though these areas see far less foreign investment. For those in search of the idea “fixer-upper” this area is perfect, as many of the charming colonial homes of Centro have been renovated according to the views of previous owners.

Insider tips for investors

Finding your ideal property is one thing, but what else can you do to make your Mérida dream a success? (Alan Morales/Unsplash)

The adjustments for expats in Mérida are similar to the adjustments that come with life in other Mexican cities.

“Building connections within the local community is key to finding your dream home in Mérida,” says James, 34, a longtime Mérida transplant. “Engage with expat groups [and] local real estate agents and fellow residents to gain valuable insights and recommendations.”

“It is important to understand your and your family’s priorities before making a purchase,” says Ryan, 53.

Mérida is an exceptionally safe city with a wide selection of international bilingual schools for youngsters. One thing to consider, however, is that Yucatan’s flat topography means there is little in the way of views here. Unless you count gazing westward at sunset and drinking in the rich patina of cotton-candy-colored skies, there are no homes with views — unless one finds a third-floor-or-higher condo.

Local Meridana Andrea Campos is a real estate agent in the city. She advises potential buyers to find an agent with experience abroad or with foreigners.

Buying through a licensed realtor can provide expert local knowledge, legal security and the best chance of securing the Mexican home you’ve always wanted. (Ruben Hanssen/Unsplash)

“And read their CV carefully to make sure they have relevant education — such as a master’s in real estate development or [something] similar — so you know you’ll be getting a higher standard of service.”

According to Campos, a big help for many is contracting a “personal shopper” who can do much of the legwork in finding properties and adapting to the needs of a foreign buyer.

Why choose Mérida?

Mérida, in general, is a welcoming place for expat residents, but it is important to be aware of a few potential challenges to making a move here. The heat, for one, is punishing, and potential residents should be prepared to bear it year-round. Another challenge is the daily traffic, as Mérida is a growing city and lacks the infrastructure to handle so many daily drivers. The local government is making efforts to alleviate the problem with electric bus services.

There is a lack of topographic scenery, and a lack of opportunity to surf, as the ocean holds no more swell than a ripple. The windy conditions are ideal for kitesurfing, however, and most days, one can spot the harnessed riders silhouetted against the sunset, tearing across the choppy water of the gulf.

Mérida remains a popular hotspot for real estate investment, not just for expats but also for Mexicans fleeing the hustle and bustle of cities like Monterrey, Guadalajara and Mexico City. The lifestyle here is undeniably attractive for expats: vibrant culture, friendly locals, plenty of sunshine, well-connected flights, a surfeit of local tourist attractions and superlative regional food.

Look past the heat, the flat landscape, and the flat water of the beach, and you’ve found yourself a slice of paradise.

Stewart Merritt is a professor and freelance writer based in Mérida. A native of California, he has been visiting Mexico his entire life, especially the Pacific coast, where he likes to surf. This summer he will marry his Yucatecan fiancé.

Reinventing a Mexican classic: New ways to use mole

By

Stephen Randall

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May 9, 2024

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Mole with rice — Mole is great, but its use in Mexican food can often be very traditional. Push the boundaries of what is possible with some of our alternative mole recipes. (sunbasket)

Mole, a rich and complex sauce deeply embedded in Mexican culture, stands as a culinary “sacred cow” for many reasons. Historically, mole is more than just a dish; it’s a cultural artifact, tracing back to the pre-Hispanic era and evolving through the centuries under the influence of both Indigenous and Spanish culinary traditions. The word “mole” originates from the Nahuatl word “mōlli,” meaning sauce or concoction. This term reflects the complex, blended nature of the dish, which is a cornerstone of traditional Mexican cuisine, rich in ingredients and cultural significance.

The preparation of mole is a labor-intensive process, often reserved for special occasions like weddings, birthdays and major holidays, which underscores its cultural significance. Making mole involves a ceremonial-like devotion to selecting and handling its numerous ingredients — sometimes up to 30, including chilies, spices, herbs and chocolate. This painstaking process is a rite passed down through generations, imbued with familial and regional pride.

Even at high end establishments, mole can often be treated as a time honored and traditional affair. (Bombera Oakland/Facebook)

Reinventing a Mexican classic

There are some Mexican chefs who dare to experiment with this sacred cow of a sauce, like Elena Reygadas of Rosetta in Mexico City, named World’s Best Female Chef in 2023. Her recipe for pink mole with beets and radicchio infuses contemporary flair into classic mole. By experimenting with local herbs and ingredients, her menu creatively reflects the dynamic changes of the seasons. Then there’s Ricardo Muñoz Zurita, with his roasted duck enchiladas with black mole. A chef and culinary historian, Muñoz Zurita delves into Mexico’s diverse mole traditions at his restaurant Azul, blending rare regional ingredients and forgotten techniques to both preserve and innovate the heritage of mole.

In the spirit of these innovative chefs, I’d like to offer up two of my favorite mole recipes that are, let’s say, off the beaten path.

Ribs with mole — Mole ribs represent an incredible fusion between U.S. and Mexican culture… (Miguel Guerrero/Masienda)

Mole Poblano Ribs

Ingredients:

2 racks of pork ribs (about 4-5 pounds)

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup prepared mole Poblano paste

2 cups beef broth

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 300 F (150 C).

Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs if it’s still attached. Season both sides of the ribs generously with salt and black pepper.

To make the mole sauce, heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until they are soft and translucent.

Stir in the mole paste, mixing well with the onions and garlic.

Slowly add the beef broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and smoked paprika if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook it until slightly thickened, about 10-15 minutes.

Place the ribs in a large roasting pan or on a baking sheet lined with foil.

Pour the mole sauce over the ribs, making sure they are well coated.

Cover the ribs with another piece of foil and seal the edges to create a tight wrap. This will keep the moisture in and allow the ribs to steam in the mole sauce.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the ribs are tender and the meat easily pulls away from the bone.

Optional:

For a caramelized finish, preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat.

Remove the ribs from the oven and place them on the grill. Grill for about 5 minutes on each side, basting frequently with any remaining mole sauce, until they are nicely caramelized.

Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before cutting between the bones. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds if desired.

Enjoy your mole ribs as a fusion of traditional barbecue and Mexican cuisine, bringing a unique and flavorful twist to your dining table!

Mole Milkshake

(I’m going to lose some friends over this one but it is absolutely a new take on traditional mole recipes!)

Ingredients:

2 cups vanilla ice cream

1/2 cup milk

1 tablespoon prepared mole paste (see note)

1 teaspoon cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Whipped cream (for topping)

Chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of sesame seeds (for garnish)

Note: I recommend choosing a darker mole, as they tend to be sweeter — a good match for this recipe.

Directions:

In a small bowl, mix the mole paste with cocoa powder and cinnamon. Add a small amount of milk to make it easier to blend.

In a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, the remaining milk and the mole flavor base. Blend until smooth.

If the milkshake is too thick, add a bit more milk and blend again. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more cinnamon or cocoa if desired. To serve, pour the milkshake into a tall glass. Top with whipped cream and garnish with chocolate shavings or sesame seeds for an extra layer of mole flavor.

Serve immediately. Optional: tell your Mexican friends of the sin you just committed — or don’t, and we can just keep this between you and me.

Stephen Randall has lived in Mexico since 2018 by way of Kentucky, and before that, Germany. He’s an enthusiastic amateur chef who takes inspiration from many different cuisines, with favorites including Mexican and Mediterranean.

Mock presidential election on campuses predicts clear winner among young voters

By

MND Staff

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May 8, 2024

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Smiling Mexican college student in a tee shirt and jeans placing a ballot in a box for a mock presidential election — Students at 400 college campuses across Mexico participated in the Simulacro Electoral Universitario, or university mock presidential election. This student voted at Chetumal Technological Institute in Quintana Roo. (SEU/Twitter)

Claudia Sheinbaum was the clear winner of a mock presidential election in Mexico held Tuesday at university campuses across the country, suggesting that the ruling Morena party candidate can expect strong support from young voters when the real deal takes place on June 2.

Students and university staff cast a total of 255,707 ballots in the Simulacro Electoral Universitario (SEU), or the University Electoral Simulation, which took place on around 400 campuses in all 32 of Mexico’s federal entities.

An oversized sheet of paper showing results of the Technological University of Southern Mexico State's mock presidential election, showing Claudia Sheinbaum with 109 votes, Jorge Maynez with 63 votes and Xochitl Galvez with 7 votes. — Results of SEU’s mock election at the Technological University of Southern México State mirrored results at several universities across Mexico, with candidate Claudia Sheinbaum achieving a wide lead. (SEU/Twitter)

A spokesperson for the SEU organizers told a press conference on Wednesday that Sheinbaum – a close ally of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and heavy favorite to prevail on June 2 – won 63.5% of the vote, while Jorge Álvarez Máynez, candidate for the Citizens Movement party, attracted the support of 23.1% of participants to finish second.

Xóchitl Gálvez, candidate for an opposition bloc made up of the National Action Party, the Institutional Revolutionary Party and the Democratic Revolution Party, attracted the support of just 8.5% of voters. Just under 5% of the votes cast were invalid.

Álvarez Máynez, who is a distant third in most polls, took to the X social media platform to acknowledge the results of the SEU.

“I feel very grateful to the more than 59,000 university students who voted for me yesterday in the #SimulacroElectoral2024,” he wrote on X.

“In just nine weeks of campaigning, and without dirty money, we’ve managed to ignite the hope of a generation,” Álvarez added.

Young voters are a key cohort in the June 2 elections, at which Mexicans will elect a new president and thousands of other federal, state and municipal representatives.

Two Mexican female college students on campus showing off their thumbs marked with indelible ink, proof that they voted in their university's mock presidential election — Students at the Autonomous University of the Northeast show off their thumbs bearing indelible ink — mimicking how polling stations in real Mexican elections mark a person to show that they have already voted. (SEU/Twitter)

According to the National Electoral Institute, 26.2 million Mexicans aged 18 to 29 are eligible to vote. That figure represents close to 30% of all voters on the electoral roll.

Atabeira Villegas, a sociology student at the Azcapotzalco campus of Mexico City’s Autonomous Metropolitan University (UAM), told the news website Animal Político that the mock election was an opportunity to show the three presidential candidates that “the university communities are the strength and engine of this country and deserve to be listened to.”

Arturo Gómez, another UAM student, said that the SEU was an “important activity” because “young people are a vital force for democracy and the [kind of] critical thinking that strengthens the development of the country.”

Animal Político reported that most students it spoke to at several Mexico City university campuses indicated they would vote for “the left” — Claudia Sheinbaum, in other words, in the real presidential election.

“I’m in favor of a woman for president, and obviously, that’s Dr. Claudia Sheinbaum because she is the most qualified,” said a law student identified only as Marín.

“One on side, we have oppression, the old regime: Atenco, Ayotzinapa, Aguas Blancas, 1968, 1971,” he said, referring to massacres in which authorities were involved or allegedly involved.

“On the other side we have a project that has worked, that has taken resources to the people who need them the most,” Marín said, referring to the current government and its welfare and social programs.

“I just want Mexico to do well and to make progress,” said Arturo Gómez, adding that he also wants the presidential candidates to be “authentic” and “help young people.”

“I’ve always considered myself someone who fights, so I’ll vote for the representative of the left this election,” he said.

Another student, Osvaldo de la O, told Animal Político that he believes “we should keep giving the benefit of the doubt” to Morena because it has only been in office for one term and “not a lot can be done” in just six years.

Colleges students voting in Mexico's University Electoral Simulation under outdoor tents with tables and ballot boxes — Students and university staff cast a total of 255,707 ballots in all of Mexico’s 32 states at the Simulacro Electoral Universitario 2024, Mexico’s mock election event where students cast their votes for a presidential candidate. (SEU/X)

“So it’s necessary to see what they can do in 12 years. Claudia Sheinbaum is going to win, but what remains to be seen is how she can improve or fix some of the bad things that the government of [López] Obrador has left,” he said.

Pamela Guevara, a political science student at UAM’s Xochimilco campus and one of the SEU organizers, urged the three presidential candidates to “turn around and look at the young people” of Mexico.

The candidates should listen to the demands of young people and work to meet them, she told the Reforma newspaper. “We deserve to be seen,” Guevara added.

With reports from El Financiero, Reforma and Animal Político

Opinion: Mexico’s insecurity problem needs a solution based on evidence

By

Mexico Institute/Wilson Center

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May 8, 2024

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Mexican solder with a weapon — Analyst Vidal Romero says that the past three administrations have failed the country in improving security, and considers how the next one could do better. (Cuartoscuro)

Mexico’s forthcoming national election is a great opportunity to take a step back and rethink the bigger picture of public insecurity in Mexico. Crime incidence data shows that the policies and actions of the last three administrations — Calderón, Peña Nieto and López Obrador — have not significantly reduced most crime and violence indicators.

If insecurity is to improve in Mexico, understanding what has gone wrong in security policy is of utmost importance. A good starting point is to question the core public premises behind the actions of the different administrations.

We could plausibly state that the Calderón administration assumed that “winning the war” was a matter of relative coercive power, which implies that a sufficiently powerful and well-designed intervention by state forces would reduce criminal organizations’ activities. This was clearly not the case. Other variables proved to have a greater effect, such as the inelastic demand for drugs and corruption by public officials.

The Peña Nieto administration was not fully explicit in its approach to fighting insecurity, which seemed to be a lighter version of Calderon’s policy but with less initiative and more reactivity in the use of public force. The results were no better.

The López Obrador government changed the core premise, at least in the discourse. It assumed that individuals — especially young people — commit crimes and join criminal organizations because of economic necessity. Massive amounts of unconditional cash were allocated to disincentivize criminal activity, coupled with a more passive role by state forces, mainly the military, which took control of public safety. Again, the problem of insecurity has not improved in Mexico.

Contrary to what the AMLO administration assumed, the government’s allocations have become a complement to other types of incomes — including that from criminal activities — rather than a substitute. And there is no solid evidence showing that necessity has a linear relationship with the likelihood of committing a crime, as the policy seems to assume.

Reducing the state’s use of force has not reduced criminal violence either because most of that violence is related to confrontations among criminal organizations in which the state is merely a spectator.

The above paragraphs are obviously a massive simplification but provide a useful guide on how not to think about the solutions to Mexico’s insecurity problems. The security strategy of the new administration, whether headed by Claudia Sheinbaum or Xóchitl Gálvez, should learn from past failures and ask the right questions when designing policy interventions.

Increasing the state’s coercive power is a necessary but not sufficient condition to effectively reduce crime and violence. We need to think beyond what the different administrations have already implemented.

Here are two key questions we should be asking ourselves when designing the new administration’s security policy.

First, how can the current public insecurity problem be turned into something more manageable? It is clear that state organizations are overwhelmed. When a problem is as big and complex as public insecurity in Mexico, a useful approach is to first consider how to make the problem smaller before thinking about potential solutions.

An obvious option to simplify the fight is to legalize drugs in order to minimize black markets and the conflict surrounding them. This will not solve the problem by itself but will free a lot of budgetary and human resources to fight “easier” crimes and will reduce the incentives for corruption.

Obviously, legalization is not trivial, but we should start thinking about and working on it.

Second, how can we reduce the lethality of criminal organizations’ confrontations? Criminal organizations and conflicts among them exist in most countries, but not all confrontations are equally lethal. The variance is strongly related to the sort of weapons that these organizations utilize to confront each other. In this respect, illegal arms trafficking from the United States is a key problem to tackle. The current administration has taken an important step by explicitly including the topic in the agenda and acting upon it. It should now be a priority.

Overall, the very least we should ask is that the new policies and actions be based on evidence. There is already significant knowledge on the matter, which should be used.

Vidal Romero is a professor in the Political Science Department at the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM), Codirector of ITAM’s Center for the Study of Security, Intelligence and Governance (CESIG), and a faculty affiliate at ITAM’s Center on Energy and Natural Resources. He holds a Ph.D. in political science from Stanford University.

This article was originally published by the Wilson Center’s Mexico Institute.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Mexico News Daily, its owner or its employees.

How many hurricanes are in the forecast for Mexico this year?

By

MND Staff

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May 8, 2024

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A storm on a beach on the Pacific coast — The Pacific hurricane season last year was particularly intense in Mexico, but this year more are expected to develop in the Atlantic Ocean. (Alto Nivel/X)

Mexico’s National Meteorological Service (SMN) announced the hurricane forecast for 2024 on Saturday. The tropical cyclone season will begin on May 15 in the Northeast Pacific Ocean and June 1 in the Atlantic Ocean (includes the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico).

The weather agency predicts a more intense hurricane season in 2024 in the Atlantic Ocean, where hurricane activity is expected to increase by up to 50%, with 14 potential storm systems. Meanwhile, the Pacific Ocean will see around 10% more systems than average.

The 2024 hurricane forecast for Mexico includes a total of up to 41 storms, though only some of these will make landfall. (@mariablackmoon/X)

The meteorologists predict 15 to 18 storm systems in the Pacific Ocean — of these, four to five could be Category 1 or 2 hurricanes, and three to four could be Category 3 to 5 hurricanes.

Meanwhile, the Atlantic Ocean is expected to see 20 to 23 total systems, with five to six Category 1 or 2 hurricanes, and four to five Category 3 to 5 hurricanes.

However, not all of these hurricanes and storms are expected to make landfall on the Mexican mainland. Alejandra Méndez Girón, general coordinator of the National Meteorological Service (SMN), predicts that at least five hurricanes will make landfall during the season.

According to the national weather agency, the 2023 hurricane season was one of Mexico’s most active in the last 50 years, with 37 systems. Eight of these made landfall on national territory — 48% more than the average recorded over 50 years (5.4 cyclones per year).

Chart of tropical storms and hurricanes in 2024 — The national weather agency predicts between 35-41 storms in the hurricane season in Mexico this year. (Conagua Clima/X)

Hurricane Otis, a Category 5 storm that hit the city of Acapulco and surrounding areas on Oct. 25 last year, was the strongest hurricane ever recorded on Mexico’s Pacific coast.

How does the El Niño/La Niña system affect hurricane season?

The El Niño cyclical weather phenomenon, which started in June 2023, has been associated with widespread drought in Mexico, as well as a particularly intense Pacific hurricane season.

However, El Niño is weakening and predicted by the NOAA to end between April and June, with a 60% chance of being followed by La Niña, beginning between June and August.

With La Niña, the tropical cyclone season in the Atlantic is expected to intensify. This is particularly true for this year, as the ocean’s surface temperature is expected to be warmer than usual.

Most regions in Mexico are predicted to receive more rain this year if La Niña develops, which would bring welcome relief — nearly 70% of national territory is experiencing some degree of drought as of April 30, according to the national drought monitor.

With reports from Milenio and Meteored

Mexican Navy shuts down 8 clandestine drug labs in Sinaloa

By

MND Staff

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May 8, 2024

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Two people in hazmat suits and with shovels removing industrial sized jugs of chemicals from a synthetic drug lab in Sinaloa — Personnel remove chemicals in a Sinaloa synthetic drug lab that was making methamphetamine. (SEMAR)

The navy announced Tuesday that it shut down eight clandestine drug labs in the northern state of Sinaloa in recent days.

The Ministry of the Navy (SEMAR) said in a statement that “naval personnel in coordination with the Federal Attorney General’s Office located and neutralized eight clandestine laboratories” in Sinaloa where cartels were making tonnes of illegal synthetic drugs.

five people in hazmat suits removing chemicals from a drug lab in Sinaloa — The Sinaloa Cartel is the likely group behind this clandestine lab. It is the predominant cartel in Sinaloa, and one of its most lucrative criminal enterprises is manufacturing and smuggling synthetic drugs like methamphetamine and fentanyl to the United States. (SEMAR)

Authorities found at least two of the clandestine labs in the Culiacán municipality, the state capital. The others were found in other parts of Sinaloa.

“In a first event, seven labs were located and dismantled in the villages of La Pluma de la Gallina, El Bledal and Carricitos and in the vicinity of the José López Portillo dam,” SEMAR said.

The statement also said the navy found at the labs approximately 6 tonnes of methamphetamine, 12,750 liters of “essential chemicals,” 2 tonnes of precursor chemicals, “three reactors of different capacities” and a range of other materials for methamphetamine manufacturing.

“In a second action, a clandestine laboratory was destroyed in the village of El Tecomate in the municipality of Culiacán,” SEMAR said.

Officials said that they found approximately 10 kilograms of methamphetamine, 6,050 liters of “essential chemicals,” 1 tonne of precursor chemicals and equipment to make synthetic drugs at that lab.

According to SEMAR, the eight labs’ destruction represented “a loss of millions of dollars” in synthetic drug sales for organized crime.

a simple concrete building in Sinaloa with its roof on fire, surrounded by garbage, dismantled for being a synthetic drug lab — The majority of the clandestine labs the navy recently found in Sinaloa were in villages and other rural areas, although one drug lab the navy dismantled was in the city limits of Culiacán. (SEMAR)

The Sinaloa Cartel is the dominant criminal organization and drug producer and trafficker in Sinaloa. The cartel formerly headed by imprisoned drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán smuggles large quantities of drugs, including the synthetic drugs methamphetamine and fentanyl, into the United States.

Anne Milgram, administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration, has said that the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) pose “the greatest criminal threat the United States has ever faced” due to the large quantities of narcotics they smuggle into the U.S.

Mexico News Daily

How much do you know about the Xolo, the Mexican hairless dog?

By

Bethany Platanella

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May 8, 2024

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Xoloitzcuintle in Mexico City — The Xoloitzcuintle is instantly recognizable as a symbol of Mexico, but how much do you know about their history? (Diego Simon Sánchez/Cuartoscuro)

You’ve seen them made of ceramic in anthropology museums, featured in Diego Rivera paintings and even as a main character in the Disney hit Coco. The is-it-ugly-or-is-it-cute Mexican hairless dog — el xoloitzcuintli — is one of the oldest documented dog breeds in history and serves today as a symbol of Mexico’s fascinating story.

What is the legend behind the Xoloitzcuintli?

Known affectionately as Xolo (Sho-lo), the name Xoloitzcuintli welds two Nahuatl words: itzcuintli, meaning dog, and Xolotl, the Mexica (Aztec) God and ruler of the dark and taboo, including lightning, twins and fire. Xolotl also leads the dead to Mictlán, or the Underworld.

Xoloitzcuintle — Does this dog look like a guide to the underworld to you? (HotDOG/AKC)

Who was Xolotl?

According to legend, there were nine layers to pass through to arrive at a new life in Mictlán, one of which was the Apanohuaia River. Crossing this deep, treacherous body of water required the guidance of both Xolotl and a Xolo. The belief was so ingrained into pre-Hispanic society that the dead were commonly buried with sacrificed Xolo dogs to ensure a safe journey. When a dog couldn’t be sacrificed, a small wooden or ceramic statue stood in its place.

Aside from his role as a death doula of sorts, Xolotl had many other roles in pre-Columbian society. He was believed to be the twin brother of Quetzalcoatl, the creator of life. It was Xolotl’s job to lead the sun through the underworld during twilight so it could return safely the next day.

They were hunters.

History depicts Xolos as hunting companions that took down wild turkeys and deer for special occasions and festivals.

They were used as heaters.

Xolos are frequently called “hot water bottles” due to their high body temperatures. The Mexican highlands are known to be cold at night, so families would sleep with their dogs to keep warm.

Xoloitzcuintle statue — The impressive lineage Xoloitzcuintle can be traced back to before the arrival of the Spanish in Mexico and the hound plays an important role in Indigenous mythology. (Ángel M. Felicísimo/Wikimedia)

Their role as a natural “heater” was also thought to heal the ill. Xolos were (and still are) credited with easing the pain of inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. As Kay Lawson, a Xolo breeder with 20 years of experience and past president of the Xoloitzcuintli Club of America, told National Geographic in 2017, “They know when you’re sick. They zero right in to where it hurts.”

They were considered a local delicacy.

The Mexica had considered Xolos a ceremonial food source long before the Spanish arrived. However, their place on the occasional dinner plate wasn’t documented until Hernán Cortez wrote about a “prized [canine] delicacy” in his letters to the King of Spain. Cortez did not specifically mention the dogs, but context clues lead historians to believe it was Xolos he was bragging about. In fact, overeating of Xolos may have led to their near-extinction.

It is widely understood that over-consumption by the conquistadors, combined with their waning popularity in modern Mexico, led to a severe decrease in population. Even though Xolos experienced a short revival due to nationalism in the 1920s, with a few dogs making it into the home and artwork of Frida Kahlo and Diego Riviera, it wasn’t until the 1950s that the breed saw signs of regrowth. Norman Pelham Wright led an expedition in Mexico’s remote areas where he and his team found 10 purebreds and incorporated them into an organized breeding program.

It’s hard to say how many Xolos exist today, though some sources claim there are only around 4,000 registered.

The more hairy patches you see, the older the Xolo’s soul.

Xolos are known for being hairless, hence the nickname of “Mexican hairless dog.” Their ears are long and erect and their frame is commonly described as regal. However, there are Xolos with patches of hair on certain parts of their bodies. Some will say it’s genes; the Aztecs will say it’s a sign of reincarnation. The same gene is responsible for the absence of a standard set of teeth.

But not all are hairless.

Xolos can be found in three distinct sizes: miniature, small and standard, measuring less than 14 inches to 23 inches tall. Xolos are usually black, dark gray, brown or even deep red. Some are hairless and others are completely coated, though the hairless breed usually has some tufts of shaggy hair on its head, paws and tail.

They make great service and therapy dogs.

Xolos are intuitive and devoted creatures. If the dog receives strict training and socialization skills from an early age, he or she can make an excellent therapy dog. In an interview with the American Kennel Club, Xolo breeder Stephanie Mazzarella revealed her Xolo’s therapeutic role in her recovery after surviving a car accident. The impacts she suffered were life threatening, from severe anxiety to loss of consciousness. One day, her own Xolo, Neina, sensed that Stephanie was about to lose consciousness before she did. Neina started barking frantically. When Stephanie came to, Neina was licking her face to wake her up.

From this moment, Stephanie started tracking the breed’s ability to connect with patients who suffered from PTSD or autism and found the dogs to be very gentle and protective. Other breeders have stated that Xolos can be trained to detect seizures and summon help when necessary.

They’ve aged gracefully.

Xolos can be dated 3,000 years back. They’re native to Mesoamerica (though there are a few that claim the dog was brought from Asia). Either way, it’s one of the most primitive breeds in the world and also one of the healthiest. Xolos are known to be nearly free from the common health problems found in most domestic dog breeds.

In 2016, then-governor Miguel Ángel Mancera Espinosa, declared the Xoloitzcuintli as the official breed of Mexico City at the request of the Mexican Canine Federation.

Bethany Platanella is a travel planner and lifestyle writer based in Mexico City. She lives for the dopamine hit that comes directly after booking a plane ticket, exploring local markets, practicing yoga and munching on fresh tortillas. Sign up to receive her Sunday Love Letters to your inbox, peruse her blog, or follow her on Instagram.