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National earthquake drill to be held Saturday in all 32 states: Thursday’s mañanera recapped

By
MND Staff
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President Sheinbaum at her September 17 mañanera press conference
President Sheinbaum discussed the upcoming national earthquake drill, a poll on Mexican opinions of U.S. intervention and her El Grito dress at Thursday's morning press conference. (Presidencia)

Sheinbaum’s mañanera in 60 seconds

  • 🚨 National earthquake drill set for Saturday: Civil Protection chief Laura Velázquez spoke about the nationwide earthquake drill that will take place across all 32 states at 12 p.m. Saturday. The exercise falls on the anniversary of the 1985 and 2017 earthquakes and will be reviewed afterward by the national emergencies committee led by Security Minister Omar García Harfuch.
  • 🇺🇸 Sheinbaum rejects poll claiming Mexicans back US action against cartels: Responding to a NewsNation report citing an unnamed poll mentioned in an internal State Department document, Sheinbaum said the claim that most Mexicans favor U.S. intervention against cartels “has no basis in reality.”
  • 👗 “I recycle my clothes,” Sheinbaum says: When asked about her Independence Day outfit, Sheinbaum noted that seamsters and seamstresses alter and update her existing clothes, reducing the need to buy new ones.

Why today’s mañanera matters

At President Claudia Sheinbaum’s Thursday morning press conference, the federal government took the opportunity to disseminate information about this Saturday’s national earthquake drill.

The mañanera was also significant as Sheinbaum responded to a poll that purportedly found that a majority of Mexicans are in favor of U.S. forces coming to Mexico to combat drug cartels. Her rejection of that supposed finding comes amid ongoing speculation that the U.S. could take unilateral action against Mexican cartels, eight of which have been designated as foreign terrorist organizations by the U.S. government.

On Thursday morning, Sheinbaum — who was included on The New York Times’  list of the Most Stylish People of 2025 — also offered some insight into her sartorial choices, bringing some fashion buzz to the mañanera.

National earthquake drill this Saturday 

At the start of the mañanera, Sheinbaum noted that National Civil Protection chief Laura Velázquez was in attendance to speak about the earthquake drill that will take place this Saturday.

Velázquez said that the national drill will take place at 12 p.m. Mexico City time Saturday and highlighted that it will be held in all 32 federal entities. The earthquake alarm will sound in Mexico City and other parts of the country where it operates at 12 p.m., at which time drill participants will evacuate their homes or any other building they are in at the time. Cell phone alerts will also be activated. The locations where the earthquake alarm will sound can be seen on the national earthquake drill website.

Velázquez said that the National Emergencies Committee, led by Security Minister Omar García Harfuch, will convene after the drill to review how it went.

National Civil Protection chief Laura Velázquez shares a slide about the second 2026 national earthquake drill, as President Sheinbaum looks on
National Civil Protection chief Laura Velázquez said the national earthquake drill will take place at 12 p.m. Saturday in all 32 states. In addition, an alarm will sound in some of the country’s most seismically active areas. (Presidencia)

She said that the drill — to be held on the anniversary of powerful earthquakes in 1985 and 2017 — “will allow us to gauge our capacity to respond” to a disaster.

Velázquez also said that the federal government on Saturday will provide information to “the people of Mexico” about “all the preparations we’ve made” to respond to any kind of emergency situation the country faces.

Sheinbaum rejects poll claiming most Mexicans favor US action against cartels

A reporter asked the president about a poll that reportedly found that a majority of Mexicans are in favor of the United States taking action against drug cartels on Mexican soil.

The poll he was referring to was mentioned in a report published last Friday by U.S. media outlet NewsNation.

“Mexican drug cartels pose a ‘direct danger’ to the safety and security of the United States, according to an internal State Department fact sheet obtained by NewsNation that outlines specific measures being taken by U.S. officials to combat transnational criminal activity,” the report says.

“The leaked document also cites a poll indicating that a majority of Mexican citizens are in favor of the United States taking action against the cartels, which control Mexico. Sources tell NewsNation that polling was conducted by a reputable local research firm and interviewed 1,000 residents 18 years and older.”

Rubio doubles down on claims that cartels control large areas of Mexico, hinting at unilateral US action

Sheinabaum said that the poll in question “has no basis in reality.”

“The source isn’t even cited,” she said.

“It’s a media outlet in the United States that said that, according to some poll conducted by who knows who, the majority of Mexicans agreed with a foreign intervention, from the United States,” Sheinbaum said.

“This is false,” she said, citing results of surveys conducted by “professional” polling firms.

“In addition it would be contradictory with the nationalist sentiment that has increased in our country,” Sheinbaum said.

NewsNation published its report two days after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that Mexico wasn’t doing enough to combat drug cartels and suggested that the United States could act unilaterally against such criminal organizations in Mexican territory.

Sheinbaum: ‘I recycle my clothes’ 

After she was asked about the dress she wore while delivering the Cry of Independence on Tuesday night, Sheinbaum noted that seamsters and seamstresses make alterations to her clothes that make them look like new pieces.

President Sheinbaum in a dark dress with colorful Mexican floral embroidery
The president wore a dress by the artisans of Creaciones Biulú, an embroidery studio based in Juchitán, Oaxaca. (Presidencia)

“I recycle my clothes,” she told reporters before bursting into laughter.

“They say how do you have [new clothes] every day? My pants are the same ones I’ve worn several times we just change them with a seamstress,” Sheinbaum said.

“Thelma helps me a lot — a colleague who works here. She does a thousand things and in addition she helps me with some seamsters and seamstresses,” she said.

Sheinbaum subsequently noted that the outfit she was wearing was altered by adding embroidered material to it. She noted that she is often gifted clothes and textiles during her weekend tours to different parts of the country.

“We take a small part and we … [use] it in my clothes. It’s important [to say it] because it’s not that we’re spending who knows how much to have different clothes all the time,” said Sheinbaum, who on Tuesday night wore a dress made and designed in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.

“Why do I use these [kinds of] clothes? Why does it matter to me? … Because there is nothing more beautiful than this, [made] by Mexican artisans,” she said, referring to the embroidery on her top.

By Mexico News Daily chief staff writer Peter Davies (peter.davies@mexiconewsdaily.com)

Mexico and My Money: Why so few foreigners hold Mexican credit cards

By
Dawn Stoner
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young latin women friends using laptop to shopping with credit card at restaurant at beach in Mexico Latin America, hispanic female in caribbean city with tropical weather.
Mexico and My Money explores why so few foreigners obtain a Mexican credit card. (Marcos Castillo/Shutterstock)

In our recent Mexico and My Money survey, more than seven in 10 respondents indicated they have a local bank account, but only one-fifth of respondents said they had a Mexican credit card.

Why the large gap?

Banamex credit cards
Only about 20% of foreigners in Mexico have opted for a Mexican credit card, according to MND’s recent financial survey. (Banamex)

Presumably, those living in Mexico without a local credit card continue to use cards issued by a foreign bank. Below, I take a look at why foreigners tend to skip this financial product in Mexico, how a foreigner goes about getting a Mexican credit card, and when one might actually be useful.

Mexican credit cards fall short on value

Banco Nacional de Mexico office in Aguascalientes
Mexican banks, on average, charge higher interest rates on credit card purchases than banks in the U.S. and Canada. (Alex Quezada/Unsplash)

Foreigners living in Mexico who use credit cards issued by a foreign bank have plenty of reasons to hold onto them.

U.S. and Canadian cards offer customers an array of lucrative perks. These can include cash back on purchases, points that can be exchanged for cash at retailers, airlines and hotels, access to private airport lounges, and more.

In addition, many foreign credit cards have no annual fees or surcharges on purchases abroad, making them suitable for foreign residents living in Mexico permanently or part-time.

Perks aside, another reason to hold onto a foreign card is the cost of credit if you carry a balance. Mexican credit cards have exceptionally high interest rates.

A recent study by Banxico, Mexico’s central bank, found that standard Mexican credit cards carry interest rates from 60% to 85% annually, while entry-level or co-branded retail credit card rates are frequently in the 100% to 125% range.

Infographic comparing borrowing rates in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.
In Mexico, there is no legal limit on what banks can charge on credit cards.

According to U.S. Federal Reserve data, the average credit card interest rate for U.S. cards is 22%. In Canada, the average sits at around 20%.

So, why is there such a massive difference between the U.S. and Canada on the one hand, and Mexico on the other?

In Mexico, there is no legal limit on what banks can charge on credit cards. If you ask a local banker why they charge so much, you’ll likely hear about delinquency rates being higher in Mexico, forcing banks to charge more to cover their risk.

But the facts don’t support this argument. Delinquency rates in Mexico have fallen precipitously over the past 15 years, while interest rates have remained stubbornly high.

Infographic comparing delinquency rates in the U.S. and Mexico.
Delinquency rates in Mexico have fallen precipitously over the past 15 years.

For the second quarter of 2026, about 3.3% of Mexican credit card accounts were delinquent (30-plus days past due), according to Banxico. This is only modestly worse than the U.S. rate of 2.9%. For seriously delinquent accounts (90-plus days past due), Mexican cardholders score better, with 2.5% overdue in Mexico versus 7% in the U.S.

In fairness, Mexican banks are often “flying blind” when compared to their U.S. counterparts. With over 50% of Mexican workers earning wages informally, it’s difficult for banks to evaluate credit risk. Their solution, if you can call it that, is to treat everyone as high risk.

Mexico and My Money: What you told us about your personal finance habits and hang-ups

Finally, recovering money on bad debts is nearly impossible in Mexico’s slow and costly legal system. To compensate, banks price the risk upfront.

Besides high interest rates, Mexican credit cards are also known for steep annual fees and exorbitant charges for late payments.

Add it all up, and it’s not a compelling value proposition, if we’re being honest.

When a Mexican credit card is useful

With all of the advantages of foreign credit cards over Mexican cards, you may think this is an open-and-shut case. But there are a handful of times when you may find a local card practical to have.

For example:

If you no longer have a U.S. mailing address: Without a verifiable residential address in the U.S. or Canada, major international banks generally will not issue you a credit card in Mexico. You’ll need to seek credit from a Mexican bank following the steps outlined above.

Mail being put in a mailbox
Mexican credit cards are a practical choice for those who no longer have a U.S. mailing address. (USPS)

If you shop on Mexican e-commerce sites: If you’ve ever tried using a foreign card to make a purchase from an e-commerce website in Mexico, it can feel like traveling to hell and back. Many domestic companies haven’t considered this use case, so it can be difficult, if not impossible, to buy with a foreign card. The rare exceptions where things go smoothly are Amazon.com.mx and Mercado Libre.

If you pay for utilities online: Utilities and internet providers are the service companies most likely to decline foreign credit cards. Expats who lack a Mexican credit card typically end up paying these bills in cash at Oxxo or via electronic transfer from a local bank account.

If you are applying for a mortgage in Mexico: It’s typical for Mexican banks to require a detailed local credit history to be eligible for a mortgage. Having a Mexican credit card helps you build that history and improves your chances of getting a loan.

Getting a credit card in Mexico can be difficult

Mexican credit cards have historically had high barriers to access. Stung by massive customer defaults during the 1994 Tequila Crisis, traditional banks have remained cautious about lending.

A newly arrived expat can’t simply walk into a Mexican bank and open a credit card account if they lack a credit history in Mexico.

Since a credit history built abroad isn’t applicable in Mexico, it’s typically necessary to open a bank account and develop a local credit history before it’s possible to access credit from a traditional Mexican bank.

Mexico and My Money: Do foreign residents in Mexico need a local bank account?

In the past few years, the rapid rise of venture-backed fintech firms operating here has begun to shake things up.

Nu Mexico (which recently converted from a fintech to a full bank) was one of the early pioneers. Since entering Mexico in 2023, the firm has expanded exponentially, marketing debit accounts and credit cards to Mexicans long ignored by the country’s traditional banks.

As of this year, there are now 6.6 million Nu Mexico credit card customers, the third highest in Mexico (up from zero in 2020).

For those determined to get a Mexican credit card, requirements vary, but the list below is fairly standard. An applicant should:

  • Have proof of residency in Mexico with an FM2 or FM3 card (temporary or permanent residency visa).
  • Have an original passport.
  • Have verifiable income or financial assets. Pay stubs or a history of monthly deposits in a local bank account are both acceptable options.
  • Have proof of a local bank account. How long it needs to be active before applying for credit varies by bank. For some, a few months may suffice, while at others it may take years.
  • Have proof of address in Mexico (such as a recent utility bill from CFE).
  • Have an RFC number (taxpayer ID in Mexico) issued by SAT.
  • Have a CURP number.
  • Be at least 18 years old.

Pro tip: Major department stores offer easier access to credit than banks — whether you are a foreigner or a Mexican citizen. This has become a popular way for new expats to start building their credit history in Mexico if they are denied credit by a traditional bank.

From tipping to moving money into Mexico from abroad, check out more from MND’s “Mexico and My Money” archive.

MND writer Dawn Stoner is reporting from Guadalajara.

4 Mexican hotels from 4 different states among world’s ’50 Best Hotels’

By
MND Staff
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Chablé Yucatán
Chablé Yucatán, near Mérida, blends contemporary architecture with references to Maya culture, It has been recognized as the ninth best hotel in the world. (Chablé Yucatán)

Mexico has a prominent presence in the latest edition of the prestigious 50 Best Hotels annual publication, with four properties ranking among the top 50: Chablé Yucatán, One&Only Mandarina, Las Ventanas al Paraíso, and Maroma. 

The list was unveiled on Sept. 15 in Paris, and reflects four distinct expressions of Mexican luxury hospitality.

One&Only Mandarina
One&Only Mandarina, ranked No. 23 in the world, is an exclusive Riviera Nayarit resort that emphasizes integration with the lush natural landscape.
(One&Only Mandarina)

Here are the Mexican hotels that made the list:

Chablé Yucatán — No. 9

Located in Chocholá, about 35 kilometers from Mérida, Chablé Yucatán is a wellness retreat set amidst a former henequen hacienda and the Yucatán jungle. 

Blending contemporary architecture with references to Maya culture, the hotel experience includes treatments inspired by regional practices, such as temazcal, as well as yoga, meditation, and activities that connect guests with the surrounding environment.

The property received the Bombay Sapphire Eco Hotel Award 2026, a special distinction from The 50 Best Hotels that highlights Chablé’s sustainability model based on Maya agricultural practices, food-waste reduction, solar energy, composting, and engagement with local communities.

One&Only Mandarina — No. 23

This exclusive resort is located on the Riviera Nayarit in the municipality of Compostela, along Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Its concept is a direct connection to the natural landscape — a tropical rainforest, mountains, and a beach. It features a vision of low-density luxury. 

Its move to 23rd place marks an improvement over the 39th position it held in the 2025 rankings.

 Las Ventanas al Paraíso — No. 25

Moving north, Las Ventanas al Paraíso, a Rosewood resort, is located in San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur, between the desert and the Gulf of California. Its concept is a tasteful combining of  Mexican-inspired architecture and an oceanfront resort experience. 

Situated in one of the country’s premier luxury tourism destinations, its aesthetic favors natural materials, light tones, and open spaces, in harmony with the peninsula’s arid landscape.

Maroma — No. 47

Maroma, a Belmond hotel, is located on the Riviera Maya, along the Cancún–Tulum highway in Quintana Roo. It combines a Caribbean beach setting, tropical vegetation, and a boutique scale, with an emphasis on Mexican design and cuisine.

The property, which was recently renovated with a vision inspired by Mexico’s artisanal and cultural heritage, offers water activities, wellness experiences, and access to one of the Riviera Maya’s most renowned beaches.

Best hotel restaurants

Beyond The 50 Best Hotels list, one bar in Mexico, Bekeb, made it to a different prominent list — Travel and Leisure’s Best 25 Hotel Restaurants in the World. Bekeb is located at the Live Aqua Hotel San Miguel de Allende, which also ranked No. 24 on the 2026 list of World’s 50 Best Bars in North America.

Mexico News Daily

Women farmers in Oaxaca, Guerrero report catastrophic drought

By
MND Staff
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corn growing
"The severe drought afflicting our states is on the scale of a catastrophe, similar to the damage caused by hurricanes," two women's farming associations said. (Carolina Jimenez/Cuartoscuro)

Drought has devastated corn crops in Oaxaca and Guerrero, according to farmers in the two southern states.

Two associations of women farmers — one in Oaxaca and one in Guerrero — released a joint statement last week in which they reported the loss of up to 100% of agricultural production.

(Conagua/SMN)

They said that drought is not only taking a toll on their crops but also on their economic well-being.

The National Water Commission’s most recent “drought monitor” report shows that large parts of Oaxaca and Guerrero are “abnormally dry” or experiencing “moderate drought.”

However, the women farmers’ associations — Red de Mujeres, Ejidatarias y Comuneras del Estado de Oaxaca and the Red Estatal de Mujeres Agraristas de Guerrero (REMA) — described the drought conditions as “severe.”

“The severe drought afflicting our states is on the scale of a catastrophe, similar to the damage caused by hurricanes, only without the wind and without [the public, media and political] spotlight,” they said.

“A hurricane destroys what is visible in a matter of hours; drought destroys our future and what sustains us over the course of months: the cornfields, water, seeds and our livelihoods,” they said.

The farmers’ associations said that communities in Oaxaca and Guerrero, in both coastal and inland regions of the two states, are “losing the capacity” to produce their own food.

Drought conditions “represent a direct threat to the food sovereignty of farming families,” they said.

The two farming associations called on state and federal authorities to declare a climate emergency in drought-affected areas of Oaxaca and Guerrero and establish programs aimed at guaranteeing food sovereignty and supporting female farmers, many of whom primarily grow corn to feed themselves and their families, but sell any surplus they have. They also asked for authorities to provide direct monetary resources to female farmers.

Women farmers in the two states are “in despair,” said Nancy Solano, a farmer and spokesperson for her fellow campesinas in Oaxaca.

She told the news outlet La Silla Rota that prices for corn and tortillas — a staple in Mexico — will go up due to drought-related maize shortages.

Adriana Paz, president of REMA, told La Silla Rota that the association she leads has requested a meeting with federal Agricultural Minister Columba López Gutiérrez to propose a comprehensive drought relief program that takes gender into account. 

“A lot of the government’s public policies don’t have a gender perspective and exclude women,” she said.

“… Without women there is no corn and without corn there is no country,” Paz said.

With reports from El Universal and La Silla Rota 

The Mexican Navy’s at-sea cocaine seizures are up nearly 50% this year

By
MND Staff
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0
Navy at-sea bust
The Mexican Navy's maritime operations have resulted in the seizure of 37.9 tonnes of cocaine, as well as the confiscation of 81 boats and the apprehension of 86 suspects. (Semar)

Cocaine seizures by the Mexican Navy have increased significantly this year, rising 47.2% from 25.7 metric tonnes in 2025 to 37.9 tonnes this year as of Sept. 10.

“These results are the product of operations carried out by the Mexican Navy through surface, air and Marine Corps units, focused on monitoring the coasts and national waters, as well as detecting, intercepting, and seizing vessels linked to illicit activities,” the Navy (Semar) stated in a report.

Navy bust
The Navy points out that the at-sea actions are not spur of the moment but rather “the product of operations carried out by the Mexican Navy through surface, air and Marine Corps units, focused on monitoring the coasts and national waters.” (Semar)

Semar’s maritime operations aim to disrupt the logistical capacity of criminal organizations operating in the maritime domain, according to Semar. 

In addition to the drugs seized, the Navy’s maritime operations this year have resulted in the confiscation of 26 vessels, one low-profile vessel (LPV) and 54 outboard motorboats, as well as the arrest of 86 suspects. 

The seizure of the substances “contributes to reducing their availability and circulation, as well as preventing them from reaching communities and particularly affecting younger generations,” Semar said in a statement 

“With this action, the Mexican Navy contributes to the protection of youth and the creation of safer environments for children and young people.”

In a related development, on Tuesday a coordinated effort of Semar and the National Customs Agency of Mexico at the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) confiscated 1 metric tonne of cocaine that had been declared as ground roasted coffee and hidden in over 3,000 bags. 

“With these actions, the Navy, Customs, the Ministry of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC) and other security cabinet institutions are strengthening inter-institutional cooperation and reinforcing control and oversight mechanisms to protect legality in foreign trade operations,” the authorities said. 

With reports from Sin Embargo and La Jornada 

State of democracy improved in Mexico in 2025 as region showed signs of deterioration

By
MND Staff
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3
Mexico flag flying high from the Zócalo
Mexico's best score is in the category of representation, ranking 83rd out of 173 countries. (Juan Carlos Ramos/Presidencia)

The state of democracy in Mexico improved slightly in 2025 — President Claudia Sheinbaum’s first full year in office — compared to 2024, according to the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), an intergovernmental organization.

On Tuesday, the Stockholm-based organization released its annual report on the state of democracy in more than 170 countries around the world.

This year’s report, “The Global State of Democracy 2026,” is subtitled “Democracy in an Age of Conflict” in recognition of the wars currently being fought in various parts of the world. It focuses on the state of democracy in countries around the world in 2025.

International IDEA scores and ranks countries in four different democracy-related categories: representation, rights, rule of law and participation.

Compared to 2024, Mexico’s score improved in two of the four categories, declined in one and was unchanged in another. Mexico rose in the rankings in two categories, but fell in the other two. Its combined score across the four categories increased by 0.008 points to 1.778 out of 4 in 2025 from 1.770 in 2024.

In December 2024, less than three months after she was sworn in as president, Sheinbaum said that Mexico was “perhaps” the most democratic country in the world given that it would hold judicial elections in 2025.

However, International IDEA’s latest report indicates that Mexico is far from a global beacon of democracy. In the four categories assessed by the intergovernmental organization, Mexico is among the top 100 countries in just one of them.

However, the slight improvement in the state of democracy in Mexico in 2025, according to International IDEA, is, of course, preferable to a decline. The quality of democracy in many other countries is on the wane, according to the intergovernmental organization.

In the executive summary of its report, International IDEA wrote that in 2025, “the global challenges to democracy and the difficulty in stemming its erosion were both exemplified and compounded by political developments in the United States.”

“There, President Donald Trump quickly amassed power in the executive branch and wielded it to further a narrow set of personal goals and pursue retaliation against perceived enemies,” International IDEA said.

The intergovernmental organization also said that “Latin America has become the most politically polarized region in the world after a rapid rise in polarization over the past decade.”

“Highly contentious issues such as the economy, migration, and insecurity, as well as the increasing success of anti-establishment politicians who capitalize on divisive identity-based narratives and ‘us versus them’ politics, have contributed to an erosion of democratic dialogue,” International IDEA said.

Almost two years into her six-year term, Sheinbaum remains a very popular president, according to poll results.

However, there is political polarization in Mexico, and a significant number of Mexicans believe that the state of democracy in Mexico has declined during the presidencies of Sheinbaum and her predecessor Andrés Manuel López Obrador as a result of government-led initiatives such as the disbandment of various autonomous agencies and the election of judges affiliated with, or seen as sympathetic to, the ruling Morena party.

Mexico’s scores and rankings in the four democracy-related categories assessed by International IDEA are outlined below.

Representation: Mexico’s score and ranking declined

According to International IDEA, in the Global State of Democracy (GSoD) Indices, “Representation” is an aggregate measure of the extent of representative democracy, built from component measures of credible elections, inclusive suffrage, freedom to organize through political parties, the effectiveness of the legislature, and the practice of democracy at the local level.

Mexico scored 0.550 out of 1 on this measure to rank 83rd out of 173 countries.

Mexico’s score declined by 0.003 points compared to 2024, while it fell one spot in the rankings.

Nevertheless, Mexico achieved its best score and ranking in this category.

Mexico’s score in 2025 was on par with those of Paraguay and Hungary.

The top three countries in this category were Denmark, Germany and Costa Rica.

The United States ranked 51st while Canada ranked 25th.

Rights: Mexico’s score was unchanged, but its ranking declined  

According to International IDEA, the “Rights” category is made up of liberal and social rights that support both fair representation and accountability. It is built upon four component measures — Access to Justice; Civil Liberties, including Freedom of the Press, Freedom of Expression, Freedom of Association and Assembly, Freedom of Religion, and Freedom of Movement; Basic Welfare; and Political Equality, including Gender Equality, Social Group Equality, and Economic Equality.

Mexico scored 0.407 out of 1 on this measure to rank 111th out of the 173 countries assessed.

Mexico’s score was unchanged compared to 2024, while it fell one spot in the rankings.

Mexico ranked one spot above Burkina Faso in this category and one position below Qatar.

The top three countries in this category were Denmark, Switzerland and Germany.

The United States ranked 42nd while Canada ranked 27th.

Rule of law: Mexico’s score and ranking improved 

According to International IDEA, in the GSoD Indices, “Rule of Law” is an aggregate measure that includes assessments of the independence of the judiciary from government influence, the extent to which public administrators use their offices for personal gain, the predictability of law enforcement, and the degree to which people are free from political violence. Overall, the index provides a snapshot of the extent to which everyone is subject to the law and the level of safety that exists.

Mexico scored 0.370 out of 1 on this measure to rank 112th.

Mexico’s score increased 0.009 points compared to 2024, while it rose seven positions in the rankings.

Mexico ranked one spot above Thailand in this category and one position below Ukraine.

The top three countries in this category were Denmark, Germany and Switzerland.

The United States ranked 37th while Canada ranked 26th.

Participation: Mexico’s score and ranking improved 

According to International IDEA, in the GSoD Indices, “Participation” is an aggregate measure of the extent to which people are actively involved at all levels of government. It is comprised of three factors that measure the space for civil society to operate freely (Civil Society), the extent to which people engage in political and non-political associations and trade unions (Civic Engagement), and voter turnout (Electoral Participation).

Mexico scored 0.451 out of 1 on this measure to rank 120th.

Mexico’s score increased 0.002 points compared to 2024, while it rose four positions in the rankings.

Mexico’s score in 2025 was on par with that of Papua New Guinea.

The top three countries in this category were Denmark, Switzerland and Norway.

The United States ranked 19th while Canada ranked 32nd.

Mexico News Daily 

Quintana Roo passes ‘Nicole’s Law,’ banning cosmetic surgery for minors

By
MND Staff
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0
surgical instruments
Quintana Roo has now joined Durango and Mexico City in banning any surgery for minors under 18 meant only to improve appearance, and not based on reconstruction or deformities. Other states are expected to join them. (Jonathan Borba/Unsplash)

The southeastern Mexican state of Quintana Roo this week passed a ban on invasive cosmetic surgery for minors, joining Durango in approving reforms known as “Nicole’s Law.”

The initiative takes its name from Paloma Nicole Arellano, a 14-year-old who died in Durango last September after cosmetic surgery. Her death exposed gaps in rules governing elective procedures for minors and intensified calls for state-level restrictions.

Pedro Enrique Haces Lago,
Pedro Haces Lago, a member of the Mexico City Congress, presented the initiative that led to the adoption of the capital’s version of Nicole’s Law earlier this year, banning cosmetic surgery for minors. (Pedro Haces Lago/X)

Two months later, Durango became the first Mexican state to enact a version of the law, with its legislators approving the measure 23-0. 

The Durango law prohibits cosmetic surgery for minors except for reconstructive or medically necessary care. It also strengthens penalties for people who practice medicine without proper credentials.

The federal entity of Mexico City followed suit in May, approving changes to Article 172 of its Health Law that invalidate authorizations for clinics to perform aesthetic surgery on minors.

The changes are state and city measures, not a single nationwide Mexican law.

The Quintana Roo Congress approved the reform on Monday, adding a provision to the state penal code that bars plastic, aesthetic and cosmetic surgeries on people younger than 18 when the purpose is solely to alter appearance. 

The measure exempts reconstructive procedures with medical justification, including treatment for congenital malformations, cleft lip and palate, and other conditions requiring specialized care, such as accident-related injuries.

Doctors who perform prohibited procedures face six months to three years in prison, fines and suspensions from professional practice.

A congressional committee in Jalisco approved a similar package in August, though it has not yet received a final vote from the full legislature.

Coahuila could be the next state to approve a similar law. Deputy Jorge Valdés said his fellow members of Congress will debate and vote on a proposed Nicole’s Law during the current session.

Internationally, similar restrictions are uneven. The state of Queensland, Australia, has barred unnecessary cosmetic procedures for minors since 2008, and Norway also prohibits health professionals from providing higher-risk, nonmedical cosmetic procedures on minors, even with parental consent.

Comparable broad bans appear uncommon in the United States and Canada, where regulation generally centers on consent, medical judgment and procedure-specific age limits.

With reports from Excélsior, Infobae, La Jornada and N+

El Jalapeño: Mexico is only good for ‘tamales and tomatoes’ … and keeping the entire US economy functioning on a daily basis

By
El Jalapeno
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2
AI generated image
Mexico exported US $60 billion worth of goods to the U.S. in July alone, only a small percentage of which was "tamales and tomatoes." (This image was generated using AI tools)

All stories in El Jalapeño are satire and not real news. Check out the original article here.

MEXICO CITY — After U.S. President Donald Trump said Mexico was only good for “tamales and tomatoes” last week, senior Mexican trade representatives held a press briefing Monday morning to clarify that while fresh tomatoes and steamed tamales are indeed foundational pillars of the national economy, Mexico also happens to provide the industrial, technological and automotive machinery that keeps the entire United States economy functioning on a daily basis.

The statement came after remarks from Trump suggested the United States could comfortably eliminate trade with its southern neighbor, omitting the fact that Mexico is the number one trade partner for the U.S.

A pensive looking Donald Trump
Trump says Mexico is only good for “tamales and tomatoes,” but conveniently left out the part about Mexico being the top U.S. trade partner and providing essential goods that keep the U.S. economy functioning on a daily basis. (Shutterstock)

“We want to reassure our northern neighbors that while our tamales remain world-class, our exports also include the computer servers powering their artificial intelligence, the advanced medical devices in their hospitals and the heavy auto parts keeping their assembly lines moving,” said Deputy Secretary of Trade Logistics Mateo Morales, presenting a series of charts detailing the US $60 billion in goods exported to the U.S. in July alone. “It turns out the nation feeding you lunch is also building the vehicle you drive to work.”

Morales emphasized that as the top trading partner of the U.S., Mexico’s commercial footprint extends well beyond agricultural goods, encompassing complex manufacturing networks that link factories from Monterrey to Detroit.

“If the flow of goods were to stop tomorrow, the issue would not merely be a shortage of menu items,” Morales noted. “It would be the immediate realization that half the light trucks on American highways were missing their transmissions.”

Trade officials concluded the conference by assuring consumers on both sides of the border that supply chains remain fully operational, confirming that shipments of high-tech machinery, auto components and fresh produce will continue shipping north on schedule.

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In Grito, President Sheinbaum celebrates migrants, women insurgents and the dignity of Mexico’s diverse peoples

By
MND Staff
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12
Sheinbaum 216th Grito
"Long live Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla! Long live Josefa Ortiz Téllez-Girón! Long live José María Morelos y Pavón! Long live Leona Vicario! Long live Vicente Guerrero! Long live Gertrudis Bocanegra! Long live Guadalupe Victoria! Long live Antonia Nava!" Sheinbaum proclaimed. (Hazel Cárdenas/Presidencia)

From the central balcony of the National Palace and in front of a huge crowd of celebrants gathered in Mexico City’s central square, President Claudia Sheinbaum delivered the national Cry of Independence (Grito de Independencia) on Tuesday night, the eve of Mexico’s Independence Day.

“Mexicanas, Mexicanos, long live independence!” Sheinbaum declared 216 years after priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla issued the Cry of Dolores (Grito de Dolores) — a call for revolt against Spanish rule.

With the presidential sash draped over her torso, the Mexican flag in her left hand and her husband, Jesús María Tarriba, standing beside her, Sheinbaum issued a total of 21 arengas, or “cries of viva!“, each of which was met with a reciprocal “¡viva!” by those present in the Zócalo and Mexicans across the country.

A selection of Mexico’s independence heroines and heroes, the nation’s Indigenous and Afro-Mexican people and Mexicans living abroad were all wished long life by Sheinbaum, who made history a year ago by becoming the first female president of Mexico to deliver the Grito. In a year in which she has denounced U.S. interference in Mexican affairs, the president also issued an emphatic cry of ¡viva! in defense of Mexican independence and sovereignty.

“Long live Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla! Long live Josefa Ortiz Téllez-Girón! Long live José María Morelos y Pavón! Long live Leona Vicario! Long live Vicente Guerrero! Long live Gertrudis Bocanegra! Long live Guadalupe Victoria! Long live Antonia Nava!” Sheinbaum proclaimed.

“Long live the heroines and heroes who gave us a homeland! Long live the Indigenous and Afro-Mexican peoples! Long live our migrant sisters and brothers! Long live the dignity of the people of Mexico! Long live freedom! Long live equality! Long live justice! Long live democracy! Long live a free, independent and sovereign Mexico! ¡Viva México!”

Some of the people honored by the president, including Afro-Mexicans and the insurgent Antonia Nava, had never before been included in a national Cry of Independence.

After completing her second Grito, Sheinbaum rang the Campana de Dolores — the same bell that Hidalgo rang 216 years ago in the town of Dolores, Guanajuato — and waved the Mexican flag to the mass of people gathered in the Zócalo. The president received the flag from an escolta (color guard) made of up of six female military cadets.

After the Grito, a fireworks display lit up the sky above the Zócalo, where musical acts including the Grammy Award-winning Texan band Intocable played on Tuesday night.

Among the officials who witnessed Sheinbaum’s second Cry of Independence from National Palace vantage points were Attorney General Ernestina Godoy, Supreme Court Chief Justice Hugo Aguilar, Interior Minister Rosa Icela Rodríguez, Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard, Defense Minister Ricardo Trevilla, Navy Minister Raymundo Pedro Morales and Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada.

Governors and mayors also issued Cries of Independence at ceremonies held on Tuesday night in cities and towns across the country.

No incidents reported at Mexico City’s 300,000-strong Independence celebration

The Mexico City government said in a statement that more than 300,000 people attended the Mexican Independence celebration in the Zócalo.

“The event took place peacefully and concluded without any casualties or incidents,” the government said.

“… Coordination between various agencies and the responsible participation of citizens allowed this commemoration to take place in an organized manner and in an environment of harmony,” the government said.

“The event also reflected the support of thousands of people for President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, who went to the Zócalo to participate in a day of profound significance for the history and identity of the country, as well as to hear a message to the nation in defense of our independence, dignity, and sovereignty.”

With reports from Reforma and La Jornada 

Is Mexico’s soccer league a monopoly? Antitrust officials are looking to find out

By
MND Staff
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1
Xolos vs Tigres Apertura
Mexico's National Antitrust Commission opened the investigation of its own accord and has not yet targeted any specific individual or entity. However, it feels it has enough evidence for a probe to determine whether there are indeed monopolistic practices in Liga MX. (Chris Noyola/Cuartoscuro)

The National Antitrust Commission (CNA) has unilaterally opened an investigation into Liga MX, Mexico’s top professional soccer league and a massive cultural touchstone that captures the country’s passion for the sport.

An internal CNA document says the investigation aims to identify “the possible commission of relative monopolistic practices in the market of ‘affiliation, organization and access’ to professional federated football competitions in Mexico, as well as similar or related services.”

In short, the CNA wants to know if a small group is violating the Federal Law of Economic Competition by unfairly controlling who can join, who can compete and how tournaments are organized, to the exclusion of other interested parties.

“After analyzing the events that occurred in recent months, the Investigating Authority determined that it has sufficient evidence to formally open an investigation on its own initiative for possible monopolistic practices in the professional soccer market in Mexico,” the CNA said in a public report.

The recent events referred to are likely related to a Liga MX decision in July to scrap promotion/relegation between the top-flight Mexican soccer league and the second-tier Liga Expansión. Liga MX also announced the end to payouts to the second-tier sides.

Promotion and relegation were scrapped in 2020 to insulate the clubs from the financial impacts of lost revenue during the enforced lockdown ordered due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Liga Expansión officials fiercely disputed the decision, even filing a suit with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which ruled that the 2026-27 campaign was the earliest point at which promotion/relegation ought to be reinstituted.

Critics have also identified the league’s policy regarding possession of television broadcasting rights by teams as a monopolistic practice.

The commission has sought to make clear that there are no defendants identified as yet and it hasn’t been determined exactly who will be investigated. Instead, the probe will simply review whether competition law is being followed.

The investigation can last up to 120 business days, but can be extended up to three times longer if necessary. During that time, the CNA can request documents, visit offices, summon people to testify and conduct inspections.

If guilt is determined, the Liga MX and its member teams could face a penalty of up to 10% of their annual income and would be required to correct any monopolistic practices detected.

With reports from ESPN, El Economista, El Universal and SportCa

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