Sheinbaum on her part explained in a statement that the decision to exclude Spain’s king was because the country did not respond directly to her predecessor, Lopez Obrador’s previous request for a public apology for the 1968 repression of the student movement during which abuses were.

She accused the Spanish monarchy of failing to acknowledge the harm caused by colonisation.

During a press conference on October 2, the president confirmed that the relations between both countries remain good but maintained the country’s position on the matter.

"It's good (relations with Spain). There's no reason for it to change. But we will always defend (Mexico's) position, and with Spain, we have commercial and tourist relations," Sheinbaum was quoted by AFP.

During his presidency, AMLO introduced significant reforms, including a constitutional change to make judges elected rather than appointed, affecting 7,000 judicial positions. He also doubled the minimum wage and launched cash transfer programs aimed at supporting mothers and students.

Reflecting on his time in office, Lopez Obrador expressed satisfaction about the impact his tenure has left on Mexicans.

“I can't stop saying that I am leaving the presidency very satisfied with the affection of many Mexicans, both women and men, for which I am grateful."I am leaving very happy, also because tomorrow I will be handing over the presidential sash to an exceptional woman, a mister," the AFP quoted him.

Lopez Obrador, who remains popular among Mexicans, even has a festival named after him, "AMLO Fest." On October 1, he will be succeeded by his protégé, Claudia Sheinbaum.

"President Obrador has done so much for our country. Tonight, we celebrate not just our independence, but also his contributions," said Maria Gonzalez, a resident.

Her sentiment was echoed by many others who see Obrador as a champion of the people.

"First, it's [we are here] to celebrate the beginning of the independence movement, but also because we support the president, who is our president because we elected him, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador." Alfonso Sanvicente, a teacher told AFP.

Mexico's Independence Day is celebrated on September 16th each year. This day marks the anniversary of the "Grito de Dolores," a historic event in 1810 when Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Catholic priest, called for Mexico's independence from Spanish rule.

The celebrations typically include vibrant parades, fireworks, music, and traditional dances. The "Grito de Independencia" is reenacted, with the President of Mexico ringing the same bell that Father Hidalgo used, followed by the crowd shouting "¡Viva México!"

Proposed by outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, the reform includes significant changes to the judiciary, such as reducing the number of Supreme Court judges from 11 to 9, electing judges through a popular vote and the terms for Supreme Court judges will be shortened from 15 to 12 years.

The approval of the reform has led to a strike by judicial workers, strained relations with the United States, and generated concern in financial markets. Critics argue that the reform could undermine judicial independence and politicise the judiciary.

Many citizens also staged a protest outside the house ahead of Tuesday's proposal reading.

Despite these concerns, Obrador insists that the changes are necessary to hold judges accountable and reduce corruption.

Lawmakers now have a final chance to suggest changes to specific articles of the reform before it heads to the Senate for further debate. Given the ruling Morena's strong majority, it is expected to pass there.

As President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s term draws to a close, he is pushing for substantial reforms in Mexico's judiciary, framing this as a necessary measure to combat corruption. Detractors argue that this initiative represents a significant power grab, risking judicial independence and the integrity of democracy. Transitioning from an appointment-based to a voter-elected system for judges that requires minimal qualifications, could potentially displace over 5,000 judges nationwide. This proposal has incited widespread strikes among judiciary personnel and elicited stern criticism from the U.S. ambassador, The NY Times report.

Judicial reform

The Constitutional Points Committee of Mexico's Chamber of Deputies has advocated for a judicial reform proposal that allows citizens to directly elect judges and Supreme Court justices. This reform has raised critical concerns regarding the independence of the judiciary, directly impacting diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Mexico. According to Mexico News Daily , as the ruling Morena party holds a two-thirds majority, the proposal is anticipated to pass when Congress reconvenes on September 1.

Electric vehicles export

Mexico is on track to become the largest exporter of electric vehicles (EVs) to the U.S. by 2024, following a staggering 172% increase in export revenue to $3.127 billion during the first half of the year. This growth positions Mexico as the second-largest exporter to the U.S., trailing only Germany. The overall U.S. import of EVs surged by 36.1%, totalling $11.95 billion. According to Mexico News Daily , the country's EV exports have experienced exponential growth, achieving an 18,047% increase since 2019. If the current trajectory persists, total export revenue may hit $6.254 billion by the end of 2024, indicating a nearly 30,000% rise from 2019.

Haitian Mexico Open Day

Haitian Mexico hosted an Open Day event in Guadalajara to showcase its latest injection moulding technologies, underscoring its commitment to the regional market. The event emphasised solutions centred on energy efficiency, intelligence, and sustainability, alongside products from different divisions, including CNC and die-casting machines, PR Newswire explained. As a regional management and manufacturing centre since 2022, Haitian Mexico seeks to enhance its delivery capabilities and response times for local clients in the Americas. The organisation is committed to tailoring its strategies to meet clients' unique needs and foster cooperative relationships, contributing to the industry’s growth in Mexico and its neighbouring regions.

Relationship with U.S and Canada on pause

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has placed the relationship between the Mexican government and U.S. and Canadian embassies “on pause” in response to U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar's public criticism of the judicial reform. Obrador denounced this opposition as a foreign intrusion into Mexico's sovereignty and expressed a desire for respectful diplomatic relations, Mexico News Daily reported. Nevertheless, critics warn that the proposed reforms could threaten judicial independence by introducing political motivations into the election of judges.

Mexico received support from members of the Latin American community after heavily armed and balaclava-clad police stormed its embassy in the Ecuadorian capital late on Friday, April 5, as per Reuters reports.

Why did Ecuador raid the Mexican embassy?

Glas had been living in the embassy since December, seeking refuge after facing graft charges in his home country. However, Ecuadorian authorities argued that the asylum offer extended by Mexico was illegal under international law, as individuals facing criminal charges are typically not granted asylum.

In late 2017, he was sentenced to six years in prison for accepting bribes from the Brazilian construction company Odebrecht in exchange for state contracts. Later in 2020, he was convicted for using money from contractors to fund political campaigns .

Now, he faces fresh charges of misusing public funds meant for reconstruction after a devastating earthquake in 2016.

Impact on Diplomatic Relations

The raid on the Mexican embassy and the subsequent arrest of Jorge Glas sent shockwaves through the Latin American community. Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador condemned the incident on social media , describing it as a “ flagrant violation of international law and the sovereignty of Mexico ” and promptly ordered the suspension of diplomatic ties with Ecuador.

Governments in Latin America including Brazil, Colombia and Argentina criticised Ecuador's actions, highlighting the importance of upholding diplomatic norms and respecting the sanctity of embassy grounds.

The fallout from the embassy raid has also strained relations between Ecuador and neighbouring countries in the region. Nicaragua joined Mexico in severing diplomatic ties with Ecuador.

In response to Ecuador's actions, Mexico says it will file a case against Ecuador at the International Court of Justice, alleging violations of international law . The Latin nation has subsequently called for Ecuador to be suspended from the United Nations until it issues an apology for the diplomatic breach.

Ecuador's government has said that it has evidence that Glas was planning to escape . It has also accused Mexico of “having abused the immunities and privileges granted to the diplomatic mission that housed the former vice president, and granting diplomatic asylum contrary to the conventional legal framework”.

The diplomatic staff of the Mexican embassy have left Ecuador with their families for Mexico as authorities say the embassy will be shut down indefinitely.

Meanwhile, the former vice president remains in custody as he awaits trial for his alleged crimes. His lawyers have filed an appeal for his release on the grounds of unlawful detention, but the outcome of their efforts remains uncertain.

Mexico increased import duties on 544 products by 5% to 50% for two years. The increase does not apply to goods from countries with Free Trade Agreements with Mexico. Media agency Clark Hill explained that the increase will impact imports from non-FTA countries like China, Brazil, and Indonesia. The increase will not affect certain industrial production mechanisms. The article also provides contact information for legal counsel and upcoming training programs.

Ecuador takes Mexico to Court

Ecuador has taken Mexico to the International Court of Justice for granting asylum to former vice president Jorge Glas, who was convicted of corruption. This has sparked disagreement and legal action between the two countries. Ecuador argues that Mexico violated international law and interfered with its internal affairs by granting asylum to a convicted individual, reports the Jurist News . President Daniel Noboa has stated that Ecuador will not allow any interference with its rule of law and sovereignty.

Mexico - US partnership

President Joe Biden and Mexican President López Obrador plan to increase enforcement measures to crack down on illegal migration, including tougher enforcement on railways, buses, and airports and more repatriation flights. Spectrum News indicated that they are working together to "effectively manage" migration and the U.S.-Mexico border and are directing their national security aides to implement concrete measures to reduce illegal border crossings. U.S. officials have credited Mexican authorities for a recent decrease in arrests at the U.S.-Mexico border and the two leaders are discussing potential executive actions to reduce further the number of migrants arriving at the southern U.S. border.

Economic growth

Mexico's economy grew by 0.2% in the first quarter, better than expected but slower than the previous year. The primary sector declined while services rose. This is the tenth consecutive quarter of growth, but it is slowing down due to challenges like tighter financial and difficult external conditions, U.S. News reported.

World's deepest blue hole discovered

The world's deepest blue hole was discovered in Mexico during a scuba diving expedition. Named Taam Ja’ Blue Hole (TJBH), it extends at least 1,380 feet below sea level, surpassing the previous record holder by 480 feet. The hole may be connected to the ocean via a network of tunnels and caves. Researchers plan to further explore its depth and potential interconnected system. Blue holes are water-filled vertical sinkholes formed in coastal regions with soluble bedrock, Wion News explained.

The president told reporters on March 27 that all the deaths were from Mexico State, the most populous region encircling the capital.

The Latin American nation is currently facing a severe crisis with 116 forest fires burning across the country.

As of March 15, Mexico has witnessed approximately 400 fire incidents, collectively destroying more than 13,000 hectares (32,000 acres) of land.

The affected areas are spread across the country, with some fires occurring as far south as Chiapas state, which shares its border with Guatemala.

Official data reveals that fires are caused by both intentional actions and agricultural activities.

The President of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, announced on Monday, December 11, that he will carry out an initiative to reform and eliminate many autonomous agencies before he leaves office in 2024. Among the organisations is the National Institute for Transparency, Access to Information, and Protection of Personal Data (INAI). According to López Obrador, these agencies are "costly" and "useless."

An anti-vape bill

The Mexican President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, also stated his intention to propose a law banning e-cigarettes and vapes, following the Supreme Court's reversal of his earlier attempt to prohibit their sale. Mexico has enacted one of the world's most stringent anti-tobacco laws, passing a bill in January for a total ban on smoking in public spaces, which includes streets.

The president of the Electoral Tribunal resigns

The president of the Electoral Tribunal of the Judicial Branch of the Federation (TEPJF), a body that specialises in electoral matters, has announced his resignation through a letter on social media. His decision follows a call for resignation from several magistrates due to alleged irregularities.

Truck runs over pilgrims

At least three people have died, and another 12 have been injured after being struck by a truck on the Mexico-Puebla highway on Monday, December 11. The victims were participants in a pilgrimage that visited the Basilica of Guadalupe, which commemorates the day of the Virgin of Guadalupe on December 12. The driver, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, attempted to flee but was later apprehended.

Intense rainfall in Chiapas

Heavy rains in Chiapas have damaged 177 homes, with reports from the State Civil Protection System indicating landslides, overflowing tributaries, and the rescue of three individuals. Authorities have stated that, as of now, there are no reported injuries or human casualties, according to El Universal .

Diego Prieto Hernández, head of the Mexican National Institute of Anthropology and History  (INAH) present at the event said that the artefacts were held in the Schloss Salder Museum after they were found 120 years ago, by a German engineer drilling a well in Tampico, Tamaulipas in Mexico.

Mexico’s cultural authorities have facilitated the restitution of lost artefacts in recent months. In July, 70 artefacts from Italy were returned to the Latin American nation.

"Owning these archaeological pieces as souvenirs or decorative items is an offence to the native peoples. Therefore, their restitution not only ensures their preservation and study but also returns to our indigenous communities a key part of their historical memory," Mexican Ambassador to Germany, Francisco Quiroga Fernandez is quoted by local media Mexico News Daily .

In Mexico’s effort to restore its archaeological heritage, 13,422 artefacts have been returned to Mexico under  President López Obrador’s administration , Mexico News Daily reports.