My trip to Mexico in October and November confirmed the current government’s commitment to a progressive path toward economic prosperity. Mexico’s strategy of servicing the “poor first” reflects a dedication to uplifting those who have historically been neglected, including the impoverished, Indigenous communities, vital agricultural sectors, and women. There is also a focus on supporting small enterprises and increasing worker salaries, particularly for women, whose benefits for household labor continue to expand.
Despite the riot in Mexico City on Nov. 15, which many in the West interpreted as widespread dissatisfaction, the Sheinbaum government and the Morena Party are firmly committed to a progressive path toward economic prosperity by prioritizing the most vulnerable sectors.
Rebalancing the Economy for the People
A key pillar of this progressive agenda is providing direct economic assistance to workers and households. This includes raising worker salaries, increasing support for small enterprises, and expanding compensation for women for their household labor. Simultaneously, the youth are gaining new opportunities through the establishment of new schools and expanded access to large-scale free university education.
This overall economic prosperity has also brought about a shift in the status quo. The middle class, while benefiting from overall economic growth, no longer automatically receives top benefits and is required to pay taxes. Resentment has been building since 2018, as impunity rulings are no longer permitted, and Article 13 of the Constitution ensures equality before the law.
Combating Corruption with Development
Under President Sheinbaum, the Mexican government’s approach to security and economic stability rejects violence, including arming small vigilante groups to fight cartels—a failed strategy of former President Calderon. Instead, the government focuses on holistic infrastructure development and “poor first” social policies. This is clearly exemplified in “The Michoacán Plan,” which targets widespread cartel extortion in the avocado and lemon sectors.
Rather than resorting to open warfare, the plan aims to enhance the situation by implementing programs for youth and making substantial investments in agricultural policies. The goal is to ensure that farmers receive a fair return for their labor, effectively preventing the corruption that has long deprived them of their earnings.
Seven Years of Sovereign Gain
President Claudia Sheinbaum and her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), have concentrated their efforts on achieving full sovereignty for Mexico, aiming for self-reliance without dependence on loans from the North or restrictive trade agreements—especially given the US’s recent “gunboat diplomacy” strategy. The success of these socio-economic policies is evident through solid data presented at daily public press conferences.
The government highlights that these policies address 35 years of neglect prior to 2018. Specific gains from this Fourth Transformation include:
- The establishment of the “Sowing Life” reforestation and employment program.
- The creation of the “Youths Building the Future” apprenticeship scheme.
- A reduction in poverty rates.
- The strengthening of the peso, which closed at $18.36 to the US dollar on Nov. 19.
- An agreement with the private sector aimed at keeping the prices of basic foodstuffs down.
- The creation of a Supreme Court for “everyone,” via Mexico’s first ever judicial elections.
With “Plan Mexico,” President Sheinbaum and the Morena Party-led government have an opportunity to engage both the US and Canada in an economically and socially beneficial partnership through fair trade and global investment in North America, starting with Mexico. As the US faces challenges with its currency and trade status due to tariffs and other factors, these socio-economic advancements in Mexico have empowered the entire continent, with Mexican exports now surpassing those of the US.
This article is the third in a series of articles about Mexico by Ellen Mass. Read the first and second articles in this series. Stay tuned for additional articles in future eNews issues.
Sources:
Mexico’s ‘Gen Z rebellion’ exposed as viral right-wing plot
Richard Wolff: Sheinbaum Advierte Que Trump Podría Congelar Activos y Golpear a México
