At a press conference in Mexico City, Türk said it was painful to hear testimonies from relatives who have spent years searching for loved ones without answers, often putting their own lives at risk. He called for a national commitment centred on truth, transparency, recognition of victims’ pain and firm state action.

Türk’s visit focused heavily on enforced disappearances, a crisis the UN has repeatedly described as one of the most serious in the world . According to UN figures, more than 130,000 people are officially registered as disappeared or missing in Mexico.

The warning comes weeks after the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances asked for Mexico’s case to be urgently referred to the UN General Assembly under Article 34 of the convention, citing the scale and persistence of the crisis. The committee pointed to thousands of clandestine graves, tens of thousands of unidentified remains and a severely strained forensic system.

Researchers analysed the impact of a decision to extend hours from 4.5 to 8 per day in high schools under the Full-Time Schools Programme introduced in 2007.

They found that robberies dropped 11% following the change, but that there was little impact on more serious crimes or minor offences.

The biggest effects were found in children aged between 12 and 14 and in lower-income areas.

With less spare time on their hands, the students simply had less opportunity to break the law , the researchers surmised.

Crime is a significant problem across Latin America , imposing direct costs on the region's economies of almost 3.5% of GDP - that would cover three-quarters of all the education budgets.

In Mexico in particular, young people aged between 12 and 17 account for 39% of total convictions.

Increasing the school day likely has other significant benefits to society as well, the study's authors Francisco Cabrera-Hernández and Bárbara A. Zárate-Tenorio. Their research was published in the World Development journal. 

Image: Depositphotos.com

Yet symbolism has not translated into gender equality as a central pillar of Sheinbaum’s governing agenda. Instead, the early phase of her presidency has been defined by the implementation of sweeping judicial and electoral reforms originally proposed by her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador (also known as AMLO), the founder of her party, Morena (National Regeneration Movement).

These initiatives have dominated legislative activity, signalling a strategic emphasis on institutional restructuring rather than social or redistributive policies. Under Sheinbaum, Morena has recalibrated Mexico’s democratic architecture, systematically redesigning—or dismantling—institutions originally created to limit executive power.

Power without friction

This transformation is underpinned by an unprecedented concentration of political authority. In the 2024 elections, Morena dramatically expanded its control at the state level: the number of Morena governors rose from four to twenty-four of Mexico’s thirty-two states, collectively representing more than 72% of the population, often through electoral coalitions. At the federal level, Sheinbaum commands the strongest majority in the lower chamber since 1982, when the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) governed as a hegemonic force. As a result, opposition parties have been severely weakened.

This concentration of power is reshaping the mechanics of governance. Institutional friction has diminished, as seen in the swift passage of constitutional reforms to expand the military’s role in public security and the approval of the judicial reform that restructures the Supreme Court and introduces the popular election of judges—both advanced with limited cross-party negotiation.

In each case, Morena’s legislative dominance reduced the need for coalition-building, narrowing the space for pluralistic deliberation and weakening traditional checks and balances. Policy decisions are now largely settled within Morena’s internal structures rather than through open democratic contestation.

Mexico’s current political moment cannot be understood as the product of a single election cycle or reform package. The country’s long transition to democracy—unfolding over decades and culminating in the peaceful alternation of power in 2000—was widely described as the end of the PRI’s “perfect dictatorship”, a term popularised by Mario Vargas Llosa and later echoed by Mexican writers like Juan Villoro in assessing Mexico’s uneasy democratic consolidation. That transition sought to dismantle the authoritarian structures consolidated during the PRI’s late-twentieth-century dominance.

Today, however, Mexico’s power configuration increasingly resembles earlier periods, such as the presidency of Gustavo Díaz Ordaz (1965-1970), when authority operated through formal constitutional mechanisms concentrated within a centralised presidential authority, strict control over political opposition and the press, and the violent repression of dissent. The presence of prominent Morena figures such as Marcelo Ebrard, Manuel Bartlett, and Mario Delgado—all of whom built their careers within the PRI before migrating to Morena—underscores continuity rather than rupture.

The democratizing reforms of the late twentieth century rested on fragile pillars that are now under strain. Political pluralism, once gradually institutionalised through competitive elections and proportional representation, has been eroded by Morena’s overwhelming congressional dominance.

Redesigning institutional independence

The judiciary—once conceived as an independent constitutional counterweight and a guarantor of fundamental rights—was overhauled in the 2025 judicial elections. Approved by an estimated turnout of just 13% amid widespread voter confusion, the reform fundamentally alters the courts’ role as an independent arbiter.

Initiated under AMLO and supported by Sheinbaum, the overhaul politicises the judiciary and weakens the rule of law. Rather than constraining executive authority through technical and professional oversight, the judiciary now aligns more closely with the ruling party and faces heightened exposure to infiltration by organised crime through politicised judicial appointments.

This reform is not an attempt to expand her personal executive apparatus, but it does represent a structural consolidation of Morena’s long-term dominance. By reshaping the judiciary’s composition and weakening its autonomy, the governing party reduces institutional counterweights that could constrain future administrations. 

Electoral institutions, long regarded as cornerstones of Mexico’s democratic transition after the disputed 1988 elections, are also poised for transformation. Sheinbaum’s proposed reform of the National Electoral Institute (INE) would significantly reshape Mexico’s electoral system by introducing the popular election of electoral authorities, reducing legislative representation, and tightening public spending. The proposal would also shrink Congress. Most alarmingly, it would dissolve the INE altogether and replace it with a centralised electoral body that would absorb the functions of state-level electoral institutes.

These reforms are unfolding in a context where democratic rights are already fragile. According to the Bertelsmann Transformation Index (BTI) , Mexico scores just 5 out of 10 on the indicators of freedom of expression and separation of powers. Additionally, it receives a score of only 4 points on the civil rights indicator, which barely puts Mexico in the category of a defective democracy rather than an autocracy. The trend, however, shows clear signs of deterioration.

Freedom of expression remains particularly vulnerable. Since 2000, more than 150 journalists have been murdered , while countless others face daily harassment and threats. In her morning press conferences, Sheinbaum has continued the practice of the so-called “Lie Detector,” a rebranded version of AMLO’s “Who’s Who in the Lies,” used to publicly denounce journalists accused of spreading “falsehoods” for criticising Morena.

Mexico’s internal concentration of power also shapes its external posture. Ahead of the upcoming review of the USMCA trade agreement, Sheinbaum’s administration has taken steps aimed at appeasing Washington—often at a cost to Mexican citizens. Security policy, in particular, continues to prioritise optics over justice. The transfer of ninety-two cartel members to date has been a calculated manoeuvre   that bypassed formal extradition procedures.

Controlling the optics

Narrative management lies at the heart of Morena’s governing style. With five years still ahead, Sheinbaum faces a fundamental choice: whether to dismantle organised crime and corruption or to once again rebrand impunity. The president has highlighted a sharp decline in homicide rates , attributing it to improved coordination among security forces. Yet many observers question the reliability of these figures, particularly as reported disappearances have continued to rise annually under Morena governments.

International concern has intensified. In April 2025, the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances invoked Article 34 of the Convention against Enforced Disappearance with respect to Mexico—a rare step reserved for cases where there are well-founded indications of widespread or systematic disappearances. While not a final judgment, the move placed Mexico under heightened international scrutiny and underscored persistent concerns about impunity and institutional capacity.

Corruption allegations have also trailed Sheinbaum’s administration. Two flagship infrastructure projects championed by Morena—the Tren Maya and the Interoceanic Corridor —have been linked to fatal accidents. In both cases, leaked audio recordings involving AMLO’s children have suggested structural flaws and irregularities in construction processes.

On the international stage, Sheinbaum has shown greater engagement than her predecessor. She attended the G20 summit in Brazil and the G7 meeting in Canada and has strengthened Mexico’s ties with the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States. She has also managed—at least so far—to maintain a cordial relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump, keeping tariffs at bay.

Yet Washington’s renewed focus on the region, including intervention in Venezuela and threats of cross-border military operations against Mexican cartels, poses a challenge to Morena’s discourse of sovereignty. Increasingly, the administration appears more focused on framing and justifying the possibility of U.S. military intervention than on preventing it.

Optics in Mexican politics has always been a priority for the incumbent administration, regardless of the party. The PRI sought to maintain absolute political stability and secure its own, unchallenged dominance over the government, which lasted uninterrupted for 71 years. When the PAN (National Action Party) took power in 2000, the two main things they wanted to portray were “change” and “modernisation”. Now that Morena is in its second mandate, Sheinbaum must navigate competing audiences: the Mexican public, hardline Morena party members, and U.S. President Trump. 

The recent detention and ensuing death of “El Mencho”, the leader of the NGJC—the most powerful and violent cartel of the past ten years—illustrates this logic, in which the target of the optics was the U.S. government as a response to mounting U.S. pressure over fentanyl and insecurity. In Mexico, people know that the detention of high-ranking leaders rarely dismantles criminal structures: fragmentation produces further violence and instability, especially in the case of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

Sheinbaum governs without the unifying authority that Andrés Manuel López Obrador commanded over Morena. Internal divisions have become more visible, and controversies involving high-profile figures—like Gerardo Fernández Noroña’s expenses and Adán Augusto López’s resignation as leader of the Senate due to political issues—have exposed cracks beneath the surface of legislative dominance. 

Sustaining the perception of order, economic stability, and sovereign control—particularly in relation to the United States—helps preserve political capital even as structural problems persist. In this sense, optics are not merely a communication strategy; they are a mechanism for maintaining authority in a system where formal checks have eroded.

Whether this approach consolidates democratic stability or further normalises executive dominance will define the remainder of her term. Sheinbaum’s central challenge will be balancing internal party cohesion, public legitimacy, and external pressures.

The opinions and thoughts expressed in this article reflect only the author's views.

Stephania Corpi is a journalist and documentary photographer based in Mexico. She reports on migration, human rights, gender equality, and underreported social and political issues across Latin America. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post , El País , The Guardian , NPR, Texas Public Radio, and other international outlets.

#16 – Carlos Slim Helu

Carlos Slim Helu remains the richest person in the Global South in 2026. The Mexican tycoon built his fortune through telecom giant América Móvil and a vast portfolio of investments under the conglomerate Grupo Carso.

Slim once held the title of the world’s richest person between 2010 and 2013 and continues to dominate business in Mexico and much of Latin America. His holdings stretch across telecommunications, infrastructure, retail and finance, reflecting decades of acquisitions across the Mexican economy.

#21 – Mukesh Ambani

Mukesh Ambani is the wealthiest person in India and one of Asia’s most influential business figures. As chairman of Reliance Industries, he oversees a conglomerate involved in petrochemicals, oil refining, telecommunications and retail.

Reliance has expanded aggressively into digital services through Jio, which transformed India’s telecom market by bringing affordable internet to hundreds of millions of users.

#26 – Zhang Yiming

Zhang Yiming, co-founder of ByteDance, built his fortune from the global success of TikTok and other digital platforms. The company’s rapid expansion turned him into one of China’s richest entrepreneurs.

ByteDance’s algorithm-driven content platforms have attracted billions of users worldwide, making it one of the most valuable technology firms to emerge from China.

#27 – Zhong Shanshan

Often dubbed the “Lone Wolf” of Chinese business, Zhong Shanshan founded bottled-water giant Nongfu Spring and later expanded into pharmaceuticals.

His companies have benefited from China’s vast consumer market, helping him rise to become one of the country’s richest individuals.

#30 – Germán Larrea Mota Velasco

Mexican magnate Germán Larrea Mota Velasco leads Grupo México, the country’s largest mining company and one of the world ’s major copper producers.

Under his leadership, the firm has expanded its mining and infrastructure operations across the Americas, cementing his position as one of Latin America’s richest businessmen.

Who dominates the top 10?

The very top of the global wealth rankings remains heavily dominated by US technology billionaires, according to the latest Forbes Billionaires data.

Elon Musk sits far ahead of the rest with an estimated $839 billion, making him by far the richest person in the world. His fortune is tied mainly to Tesla, SpaceX and artificial intelligence firm xAI.

The gap between Musk and the rest of the billionaire class is enormous. The next richest individuals have fortunes roughly one-third of his wealth or less.

Among them are several other US technology founders. Larry Page is worth roughly $257 billion, while fellow Google co-founder Sergey Brin has about $237 billion.

Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, holds an estimated $224 billion, while Mark Zuckerberg, the chief executive of Meta, has around $222 billion.

The top ranks also include figures outside the US technology sector. Bernard Arnault, chairman of luxury group LVMH, remains Europe’s richest person with a fortune of about $178 billion.

Infantino’s comments come as parts of Mexico have seen roadblocks, burned vehicles and clashes after the Mexican military operation that authorities said killed the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has insisted there is “no risk” to visitors, while Infantino said he had spoken with her and reiterated FIFA’s “full confidence” in Mexico as a host.

Mexican security officials and media reports have put the death toll from the violence at at least 70, while security concerns have already affected sporting events, including the cancellation of a World Cup diving event scheduled in the Guadalajara area.

Mexico is set to co-host the tournament with the United States and Canada, staging 13 matches across Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey, including four in Guadalajara, one of the host cities in Jalisco state.

While air and maritime trafficking still play roles, land routes through Mexico dominate the final stage of the journey.

Here’s how the flow typically works.

The land route: Mexico as the gateway

The map above highlights a green land corridor running from Colombia northward through Panama and Central America, into Mexico and across major U.S. border cities such as El Paso, Laredo and Mexicali.

This aligns with findings from the DEA’s National Drug Threat Assessment, which consistently reports that Mexican transnational criminal organisations control most wholesale drug distribution in the United States. After cocaine leaves South America, it is transported through countries including Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras and Guatemala before entering Mexico.

From there, it moves overland across the U.S.–Mexico border, often concealed in vehicles, commercial shipments or through smuggling tunnels. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seizure data regularly shows large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and fentanyl intercepted at southwest border ports of entry.

The land route remains dominant because it allows traffickers to move bulk quantities with established logistics networks and corruption infrastructure already in place, according to the DEA.

The Sea route: Caribbean and Pacific maritime corridors

The map’s blue arrows illustrate maritime trafficking through both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

UNODC reports that traffickers frequently use “go-fast” boats , fishing vessels, semi-submersibles and container shipping to move cocaine from Colombia’s Pacific coast and Caribbean ports. From there, shipments pass through Central American coastal states or Caribbean islands before continuing north.

The U.S. Coast Guard plays a central role in maritime interdictions. In recent years, it has announced record cocaine seizures in the eastern Pacific, underscoring how significant the sea route remains. However, despite substantial seizures, maritime trafficking persists due to the vast expanse of open water and limited enforcement capacity relative to the scale of operations.

The air route

The map also shows air corridors from northern South America into Central America.

While less common for bulk shipments today than in the 1980s and 1990s, air trafficking still occurs. According to UNODC, traffickers use small aircraft to land in remote airstrips in countries such as Honduras and Nicaragua. From there, shipments are transferred to land vehicles for overland transport north.

Air routes are typically used for high-value loads that require speed and reduced exposure time.

While cocaine routes remain critical, the DEA notes that synthetic drugs such as fentanyl increasingly dominate the U.S. overdose crisis. Unlike cocaine, fentanyl is often manufactured in Mexico using precursor chemicals sourced from Asia and then trafficked across the land border.

This shift has further established Mexico’s role as the primary entry point for illicit drugs into the United States.

President Claudia Sheinbaum said there are “all guarantees” for safe hosting of the tournament, despite recent security challenges.

However, the deadly violence that erupted after federal forces killed Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), shook parts of western Mexico, especially in Guadalajara and nearby regions. The unrest included roadblocks, burning vehicles, and clashes between cartel members and security forces.

Guadalajara, one of Mexico’s three World Cup host cities alongside Mexico City and Monterrey, is scheduled to host four matches this summer, including high-profile group–stage games featuring teams like Mexico, Spain, South Korea and Uruguay.

The city’s stadium and surrounding areas saw heightened tension as authorities responded with increased security and temporary suspensions of local football matches.

FIFA and local authorities are monitoring the evolving situation closely. While the sport ’s governing body has not announced plans to remove Mexico from its hosting duties, security concerns have been raised, and discussions are reportedly ongoing about how to reassure visiting fans, teams, and officials.

Despite the concerns, preparations continue. Organisers and governments are planning enhanced safety measures, from military and police deployments to advanced surveillance technologies designed specifically for the tournament. Experts stress that major international events like this often involve layered security planning, with cooperation between host nations critical for success.

Mexico’s 2026 World Cup matches are still scheduled to take place in the country, but recent violence, particularly in Jalisco, has intensified scrutiny of security arrangements. With just months until kick-off, authorities are under pressure to restore confidence, reassure international visitors, and ensure safe conduct of the world’s biggest football event.

Drone footage recorded on Monday, February 23, showed deserted streets across the tourist hub, with burned-out vehicles abandoned along roadways. Several shops remained shuttered, while others bore charred exteriors and scattered debris in the aftermath of the unrest.

On 22 February 2026, the Mexican Army killed El Mencho during a security operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, after a firefight that left him wounded and later dead. Intelligence support from the United States played a key role in locating him.

President Claudia Sheinbaum welcomed the result as evidence of strengthened Mexican capacity to take on organised crime without direct U.S. military involvement. Yet the operation did not proceed quietly. Violent reprisals by CJNG members spread across at least 20 Mexican states, with roadblocks, burning vehicles, explosions and shootings reported soon after news of his death. Authorities reported multiple deaths, including soldiers and civilians, while air travel and public services were disrupted in several cities.

El Mencho’s rise and notoriety

Born in 1966 in Michoacán, El Mencho rose from humble beginnings to become the head of CJNG, a cartel known for its ruthlessness and sophisticated trafficking networks. The group used speedboats, submarines and other unconventional methods to move drugs from Latin America towards the U.S. border. Its tactics included extreme violence and the use of drone-mounted explosives, making it one of the most feared criminal organisations in the region.

Despite his notoriety, El Mencho also cultivated local support in some areas, where he and his associates funded fiestas and provided community assistance. However, those actions did little to mask the cartel’s brutal reputation, which included reports of alleged execution sites and intimidation of rivals.

Immediate fallout and deeper concerns

The post-operation backlash was swift and violent. CJNG gunmen reportedly attacked infrastructure, blocked highways and engaged security forces in pitched battles. Schools were closed in several states, and citizens were advised to remain indoors. In some regions, public transport was suspended, and flights were cancelled due to safety concerns.

Security analysts warn that the death of a cartel leader does not necessarily weaken an organisation in the long term. Instead, it can prompt fractures and internal power struggles as ambitious lieutenants vie for control.

“[These] are the way a criminal order responds when it feels challenged. To understand them, you have to look at the meaning behind them, not just the fires or the territory,” security analyst Edgar Guerra wrote on X .

Without a clear successor, CJNG could become even more volatile, leading to further violence and instability.

Regional and international impact

The operation underscores ongoing cooperation between Mexico and the United States, particularly given the role of shared intelligence. U.S. officials had offered up to US$15 million for information that would lead to El Mencho’s capture, reflecting the cartel’s significant reach and the global scale of the drugs trade.

Yet experts stress that removing one individual, even one as powerful as El Mencho, is not a panacea. Cartels have deep roots, extensive networks and the capacity to regenerate leadership. As rival factions compete for CJNG’s territory and profit streams, violence may escalate further.

What they said

Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum wrote on X, “There is absolute coordination with the governments of all states,” adding that “in the vast majority of the national territory, activities are proceeding with complete normality.” US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau called Oseguera “one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins” and said, “This is a great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America , and the world.”

Supporters of Mexico’s reform argue that shorter working hours can strengthen productivity, formal employment and social wellbeing, particularly in sectors where long shifts are common. The measure builds on previous increases to the minimum wage and expanded labour rights in recent years, signalling continuity in a policy direction that prioritises stronger state involvement in regulating working conditions .

Argentina, under President Javier Milei, is taking a contrasting route. The government has advanced a labour reform focused on deregulation, including easing hiring procedures, adjusting severance frameworks and modifying rules that affect union activity. Officials describe the changes as necessary to encourage private investment, reduce informality and address long-standing economic instability.

The Argentine approach reflects a broader pro-market agenda aimed at reducing what the government views as rigidities in the labour system. Trade unions and opposition groups have raised concerns about the potential impact on worker protections, while the administration argues that greater flexibility could generate employment opportunities in a struggling economy .

Together, the two reform processes highlight a clear regional divergence. Mexico is expanding statutory protections and reducing legal working hours, reinforcing a model centred on labour safeguards. Argentina is pursuing structural liberalisation intended to stimulate growth through market mechanisms. Rather than a question of right or wrong, the contrast underscores two distinct interpretations of how labour policy should respond to economic challenges in Latin America .

Olivia Garza, Vice President of the Association of Cubans Residing in Mexico “José Martí”, said the campaign aims to promote regional unity. She argued that “defending Cuba is defending all of Latin America ”, accusing Washington of seeking to impose a “Monroe Doctrine 2.0” to assert control over the region’s resources. Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, has stated that her government will continue sending humanitarian aid to Havana and has criticised the US measures as unfair.

Economist Rafael Salvador Espinoza estimates rents around the stadium could rise by as much as 45% during the tournament period. However, he argues that prioritising one month of high returns over stable year-long leases may not be economically sound. The opening match of the tournament will take place at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, marking the start of a month-long global event whose local impact is already being felt.

The figure is based on firearms that Mexican authorities have recovered and successfully traced to their country of origin.

High-level Mexican officials, including the defense minister, highlighted the role of U.S.-sourced weapons during recent briefings, noting that many of the seized guns are high-powered rifles and ammunition often used by cartel groups in violent confrontations with security forces.

The tracing figures have been cited in discussions between Mexico and the United States as both governments seek to strengthen cooperation against cross-border weapons trafficking.

U.S. law enforcement agencies assist in firearms tracing when Mexican authorities submit recovered weapons for identification. However, experts note that tracing depends on the sample of weapons submitted and may not represent the entire universe of firearms in criminal hands.

Illegal arms trafficking has been a persistent concern along the U.S.-Mexico border, with guns often purchased legally in U.S. gun markets before being smuggled south. Mexican authorities argue that addressing the flow of weapons from the United States is critical to reducing cartel firepower and violence .

The issue remains a point of ongoing dialogue between the two countries as they work to develop strategies to limit the illegal movement of firearms.

Bachelet said she was honoured by the nomination and stressed the significance of the candidacy being backed by three major Latin American nations. She described it as a sign of renewed commitment to cooperation and to the United Nations at a time of mounting global challenges, including conflict, climate change , inequality and declining trust in institutions.

“Around 1 million young people want to buy tickets, but there are only 150,000 available,” she said.

While seemingly innocuous, the appeal has sparked debate within the K-pop industry. 

Some insiders noted that the request should have been directed to Hybe, BTS’ management company, rather than the South Korean president. One official noted that world tours are carefully planned based on market research, venue availability and artist schedules, leaving little room for last-minute additions.

BTS has previously added extra shows in cities such as Tampa, Stanford and Las Vegas in response to strong ticket demand, and additional dates in Japan and the Middle East are expected. 

Ticket sales probed

The controversy coincides with frustration among Mexican fans, many of whom failed to secure tickets during the initial global sale. 

The Mexican consumer watchdog has opened an investigation into Ticketmaster and is probing resale platforms such as StubHub and Viagogo for “abusive and disloyal practices.” 

Original tickets ranged from roughly 1,800 to 17,800 pesos ($100–$1,030), while resale prices soared to as much as 92,100 pesos ($5,300).

Why is K-pop big in Mexico?

Mexico is one of the world’s most passionate K-pop markets , with over 14 million fans on Spotify alone. Streaming of Korean pop music has grown more than 500% in five years, and fandom culture thrives through social media, fan art, themed events and community initiatives.

“K-Pop artists connect with fans by being real and speaking openly about their feelings, which really resonates with young listeners in Mexico,” said Alejandro Grageda, head of music at Spotify Mexico. 

“They also promote an optimistic vision of the world—something that inspires fans to dream, believe in something better, and build strong, supportive communities together,” Grageda added. 

According to the president, Wedding voluntarily presented himself at the United States embassy in Mexico City before being transferred to US authorities. Sheinbaum underlined that Mexico’s constitution and national security laws prohibit joint operations by foreign investigative agencies, allowing only cooperation through the exchange of information between governments.

Sheinbaum added that this position has been clearly communicated to Washington, noting that while Mexico maintains security cooperation with the US, it does so strictly within its legal framework. Her remarks come amid heightened international scrutiny of cross-border security coordination between the two countries, particularly in cases involving organised crime and extradition.

Among the most striking elements is an owl sculpture at the entrance, a Zapotec symbol linked to night and death, whose beak partially covers a human face believed to represent the tomb’s occupant. Inside, mural paintings rendered in red, blue, green, white and ochre are now being studied by specialists from Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH).

President Claudia Sheinbaum described the find as the country’s most significant archaeological discovery in a decade, highlighting its exceptional preservation and the cultural and symbolic information it provides about Zapotec society .

The fires have burned around 50,000 hectares, affected an estimated 7,000 people and claimed at least 21 lives. The Mexican personnel come from the National Forestry Commission (Conafor) and the Secretariat of National Defence (Sedena), and are trained to operate in complex wildfire scenarios.

Chile’s Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren thanked the Mexican government, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, for its rapid response, saying Mexico offered assistance “from the very first moment”. He highlighted the broader international backing Chile has received, describing it as a reflection of the solidarity Chile has also shown other countries in times of crisis.

Her portfolio includes five AI-driven projects tackling real-world problems. Among them are drones capable of cleaning bodies of water and reforesting degraded land through automated seed dispersal, as well as humanoid robots such as Conia and Sonia , designed to support education and assist older adults with tasks such as reading prescriptions, recipes and newspapers.

The display includes embroideries created by 200 artisans from all 32 federal entities, using a wide range of techniques such as cross stitch, drawn thread and pedal loom weaving. Each piece incorporates multiple colours and reflects both ancestral and contemporary textile traditions.

Every state contributed designs linked to local identity, from urban symbols like the Mexico City metro, axolotls and lucha libre masks, to animals regarded as sacred by indigenous communities in regions such as Nayarit.

Guinness World Records validated the exhibition as a first-of-its-kind achievement, confirming that it met all criteria before awarding the title. Organisers said the recognition gives the initiative international visibility, and authorities are considering preserving the entire collection as a single permanent installation at the cultural complex.

“He became our emotional support director because everyone asks about him,” said Juan Sosa, Kaliman’s guardian and a council employee. “If I walk ahead, Kaliman follows me, and staff know I’m coming to work.” He is the first dog employed by the municipality and leads the ‘Huellitas Municipales’ programme, which now includes other rescued dogs and cats cared for by city offices.

Kaliman’s story has drawn attention as a symbol of compassion in urban animal welfare. Once timid and wary of humans, he gradually bonded with municipal staff, choosing Sosa as his companion.

“He asked me what my opinion was about what they had done in  Venezuela , and I told him very clearly that our Constitution is very clear: we do not agree with interventions, period,” Sheinbaum stated. She described the exchange as “friendly” and respectful.

A tanker carrying 85,000 barrels of Mexican crude oil arrived in Havana, continuing ongoing exports to Cuba amid Venezuela’s deepening energy crisis and shifting regional dynamics. The government confirmed the shipments are part of sustained contracts or humanitarian aid, and that Mexico has become a significant supplier to Cuba as Venezuelan output declines. Data shows Mexico exported an average of over 12,000 bpd to Cuba in 2025, surpassing Venezuela’s deliveries, although President Claudia Sheinbaum insists levels remain within historical norms. Critics, including opposition figures, argue the exports lack transparency and represent a financial contribution to Cuba’s government without clear public accounting. The move occurs against rising geopolitical tension with the United States over Cuba and Venezuela policy.

Sheinbaum orders foreign affairs talks after Trump’s cartel claims

President Claudia Sheinbaum instructed Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Juan Ramón de la Fuente, to meet with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss security cooperation after US President Donald Trump announced plans to “start attacking the cartels on the ground.” Sheinbaum said the talks aim to “strengthen communication” and share information on seized drug laboratories and coordinated efforts. She also spoke to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to reaffirm a shared understanding of security issues, describing Trump’s rhetoric as part of his communication style. The diplomatic move reflects efforts to balance cooperation with the US and Mexico’s sovereignty amid heightened cross-border security concerns.

Experts warn of potential terrorism risk ahead of 2026 World Cup

Security specialists have flagged a potential terrorism risk in Mexico during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, noting that the heightened global profile of the event could attract threats. At a security panel, they urged stronger coordination among Mexico, the United States and Canada to improve screening and border security, and highlighted vulnerabilities such as gaps in shared traveller-vetting systems. Former Mexican ambassador Arturo Sarukhán emphasised the need for integrated security strategies to prevent incidents tied to organised crime or extremist actors during the tournament. The warning reflects broader concerns about public safety and international cooperation in the run-up to one of the world’s largest sporting events.

Government ups its bet on voluntary disarmament to curb violence

Mexico’s federal government is increasing cash incentives for the voluntary surrender of firearms under its “Sí al Desarme, Sí a la Paz” programme, part of a broader strategy to reduce violence and illegal gun circulation. The new scale of payments offers higher amounts for surrendering machine guns, military-grade rifles and other weapons compared with last year, alongside protections for participants’ anonymity. The initiative, coordinated by the Secretariat of the Interior and backed by the army for the secure destruction of collected arms, is intended to tackle structural causes of violent crime by removing firearms from circulation. Officials say the programme boosts community safety while encouraging peaceful engagement.

National forest policy updated with new zoning framework

The government published a national forest zoning agreement under the General Law of Sustainable Forest Development, creating a unified, technical framework to manage Mexico’s forests. The zoning categorises forested areas by natural vocation, from conservation and restoration to sustainable production zones, using geospatial data and ecological inventories to guide planning and protect biodiversity. Authorities say the policy aims to improve coordination across government levels, promote conservation and support sustainable resource use while safeguarding soil, water and ecosystem services . The move responds to long-standing calls for more strategic, science-based forest governance and environmental planning.

The debate followed the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores by US forces after strikes on Caracas and other areas, with Washington stating the operation was linked to narcoterrorism charges. Venezuelan authorities declared a national emergency, accusing the United States of attempting to seize strategic resources, particularly oil and minerals .

At the Security Council, the US rejected accusations of military aggression, describing the operation as a limited law enforcement action rather than an act of war. That explanation was challenged by several delegations, including Russia, China and Colombia . Russia’s UN ambassador said there was no justification for US actions in Venezuela, while China said it was “deeply shocked” by what it called bullying behaviour. The African A3 group also expressed serious concerns.

The operation has drawn condemnation beyond the UN chamber, with criticism from governments across Latin America, BRICS countries and other regions. European Union members and several European states called for respect for international law, though most avoided directly condemning the United States, highlighting divisions in the international response.

The controversy emerged after the coronation of Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch, on 21 November, when accusations of irregularities in the competition’s outcome began to circulate, claims that have not been independently verified. Thai police are actively seeking co-owner Anne Jakrajutatip, who has been missing since a Bangkok court issued an arrest warrant in November on fraud charges related to alleged financial irregularities within JKN Global Group, the conglomerate that owns 50 per cent of Miss Universe.

Jakrajutatip’s absence from recent hearings has compounded the situation, and her company is set to be expelled from the Thai stock exchange on 27 December amid the ongoing legal proceedings. Meanwhile, Mexican authorities have also intensified their actions, with prosecutors reportedly seeking legal measures against Raúl Rocha Cantú, the organisation’s other co-owner, in connection with a separate investigation.

In addition to fraud allegations against Jakrajutatip, Thai police say they have formally received a defamation complaint concerning Bosch in Bangkok, demonstrating the broader judicial scrutiny surrounding the pageant. National and international observers have noted that the multiple legal fronts now facing the Miss Universe organisation illustrate the complex challenges that can arise when global entertainment brands intersect with legal, financial and regulatory systems across different jurisdictions.

The unfolding situation has also prompted organisational changes: Miss Universe has announced plans to relocate its headquarters from Mexico City to New York , citing legal uncertainty and operational concerns. The moves reflect broader implications for the pageant’s global operations, raising questions about governance and accountability within one of the world’s most recognised international competitions.

An independent cleaning worker told Viory reporters, “They have to fulfil the union and labour agreements and mainly respect the work being done, but well, we already did our part, it has to be respected, and they have to give us our place.” The protest disrupted the city’s normal routines, with more than a dozen trucks unloading waste onto sidewalks, fires prompting a response from firefighters, and demonstrators damaging government property. Local medical teams treated several people at the scene, though no serious injuries were reported.

Residents described the event as alarming. Juan Castillo, a neighbour: “There is a message for the government to adjust to their petitions, to reach a common agreement and avoid all these kinds of jokes, it is ugly.” The protest reflects broader tensions in Mexico over labour rights and union representation, highlighting how workers’ demands can escalate into public demonstrations when official channels stall.

This year, vast crowds made the journey carrying statues, photos and offerings. Many travelled on their knees, reflecting both devotion and the burdens they hoped to leave behind. For some, the pilgrimage is connected to economic hardship, migration challenges or health crises, issues that resonate widely across the Global South and diaspora communities.

One young student, for example, completed the route crawling after promising to repay the Virgin if he was able to resume his studies following serious financial difficulties. A local businesswoman returned to give thanks for work and health during the year and to pray for her husband’s safe return from the United States . Another father completed the journey on his knees with his children after believing his infant son, once given little chance of survival due to a tumour, had been granted another chance at life.

Many described the physical strain of the last stretch as overwhelming, speaking of the moment when the entrance to the basilica comes into sight, and the sense of weight becomes almost unbearable. Others framed the pilgrimage as an act of renewal, saying they had come to express gratitude for health , protection and the hope of remaining “clean” and free from the struggles that once defined their lives.

According to tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared in 1531 to an Indigenous man named Juan Diego, and devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe has since become woven into Mexico’s cultural and spiritual identity. Yet its significance extends far beyond the country. Authorities estimate that around four million pilgrims will visit the basilica between 11 and 12 December, placing the event among the world ’s most attended religious gatherings.

How the regional drug trade works

Colombia remains the world's largest producer and exporter of cocaine, with an estimated 80% of the global supply originating within its borders.

The nature of the illicit industry has evolved over the years, challenging the efforts of local and international law enforcement

Fentanyl vs. cocaine

Another key point missing in the discussions, and especially Donald Trump's misleading claim that each drug boat destroyed saves 25,000 American lives, is that the drugs causing America's crisis are not coming from South America. Fentanyl, produced mainly in Mexico, not cocaine, originating in Colombia and Venezuela, is the most lethal substance.

And indeed, the crisis did not begin with drug gangs. Americans were hooked by their own big businesses as pharmaceutical companies co-opted doctors to prescribe highly addictive opiates. As Jorge Rodriguez, president of Venezuela's National Assembly, put it: "If they (the USA) want to bomb something, they should bomb the headquarters of Perdue Pharma."

Maduro and the "Cartel of the Suns"

The Trump administration has labelled President Maduro the "drug dealer in chief," alleging he heads an organisation known as the "Cartel of the Suns." While the Maduro government certainly has links to the drug trade, describing it as a centrally commanded, organised cartel is misleading.

The Venezuelan state is characterised by extensive corruption, with local officials and governors taking cuts from the trade. And the links between the Venezuelan government and transnational crime groups are well documented.

However, the US government's actions - such as the recent pardoning of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, who was convicted of drug trafficking in the US- underscore that the real issue is that Maduro is an ideological foe of the administration, not necessarily a unique threat in the drug trade.

Drugs as a livelihood

Much of the debate around the attacks on boats has centred around the question of whether those on board were drug traffickers or simple fishermen. It's impossible to know, but the difference is also not as stark as it might seem. In poor coastal regions, the drug trade is a significant part of the economy, along with agriculture and fishing.

Under most legal codes, a drug dealer or a fisherman would have the same status in law unless convicted in court: innocent.

This is where Colombian president Gustavo Petro, not a natural ally of Maduro, meets his neighbour ideologically. Both argue that the law is being ignored, and their citizens have lost their right to a trial.

Next steps

The US seizure of an oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast marks a significant escalation in the pressure exerted on Maduro. And while the Venezuelan president has already offered to resign, his terms were clearly not acceptable in Washington. Tensions are set to rise, and the people of Colombia and Venezuela, regardless of any links to the drug trade, will feel more pain.

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World Reframed is produced in London by Global South World, part of the Impactum Group. Its editors are Duncan Hooper and Ismail Akwei.

ISSN 2978-4891

Supporters of the bill, largely from government-aligned parties, argued that the higher import duties are necessary to protect domestic industries from what they described as unfair competition, particularly from China.

They said the country is flooded with artificially low-priced goods sold below production cost, undermining Mexican producers.

“The bill focuses on 17 strategic sectors and 1,463 tariff items… A significant part of these imports comes from countries with which we do not have a trade agreement, particularly China, where the deficit is excessive,” said Senator Imelda Sanmiguel Sánchez of the National Action Party.

However, opposition lawmakers criticised the move, accusing the government of acting under pressure from Washington ahead of next year’s scheduled review of the USMCA trade pact.

Cristina Ruiz Sandoval of the Institutional Revolutionary Party warned that tariffs alone would not solve deeper structural issues. “Can a tariff package correct a structural investment problem? Can tariffs attract capital, generate confidence and move companies toward value-added sectors? The answer, unfortunately, is no,” she said.

New data from World’s Top Exports shows that Spain and Mexico dominate the global pumpkin market in 2024, together accounting for more than 64% of worldwide pumpkin exports.

With international demand rising for year-round cooking, health foods, and processed pumpkin products, the industry has become more important to farmers and exporters across Europe, North America, Africa, and Oceania.

According to the 2024 export rankings, Spain leads the world with 32.8% of global pumpkin exports, valued at about $574 million. Mexico follows closely with 32%, earning $559 million.

The large market share held by both countries reflects their strong agricultural infrastructure, export-oriented farming, and access to major global markets.

The rest of the top exporters include:

How global events are shaping the pumpkin market

Climate change is shifting growing seasons

Farmers across Europe and North America are adjusting planting cycles due to unpredictable rainfall, heat waves, and changing soil conditions. Some regions in Spain and Mexico have benefited from longer warm seasons, allowing for stronger yields.

Food security continues to be a global priority

With conflicts disrupting trade routes , such as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, countries are looking toward more stable and diverse agricultural suppliers. Pumpkins, being versatile and widely cultivated, fit into this wider push to secure reliable food imports.

Rising global celebrations and food trends

Pumpkin has become more than a seasonal item . From soups and baked goods to the globally popular “pumpkin spice” trend, food producers are buying more pumpkin for processing and export. This helps keep demand strong throughout the year.

Sheinbaum said her administration has demonstrated that it is possible to maintain constructive ties with Washington while prioritising national interests. She highlighted a new security understanding built on four principles: respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity; shared but differentiated responsibility; collaboration without subordination; and full respect for national sovereignty.

The president also underlined Mexico’s deep economic interdependence with the US, calling trade links essential for both countries’ competitiveness. She praised the role of Mexican migrants in the US economy , describing them as “heroes and heroines” whose work sustains families and contributes to the prosperity of both nations.

Sheinbaum noted that a constitutional reform aimed at preventing foreign interference has already been approved, reiterating that Mexicans will not accept external actions that threaten the country’s territorial or political integrity. She also pointed to strong economic indicators , including record foreign investment and a strengthened peso, as evidence that the broader Fourth Transformation project continues to shape Mexico’s trajectory.

Drawing directly from her experience as a chronic patient, Martínez argues that Mexico must establish a regulated framework for euthanasia and assisted suicide for adults facing terminal, degenerative, or irreversible illnesses. She explains that the draft legislation “specifies to legalise and decriminalise euthanasia for people over 18 years of age who have an incurable, chronic, degenerative, or terminal stage disease, or some disabling or health-threatening condition.” The proposal also prioritises medical verification and patient autonomy, requiring confirmation from two doctors and repeated consent from the applicant.

Martínez’s advocacy reflects the profound physical and emotional toll of her condition. She undergoes long and demanding hemodialysis sessions due to chronic renal failure, further complicated by lupus. For her, the push for legislative reform is deeply personal, grounded in what she sees as a fundamental right to self-determination: “When such a strong disease comes into your life and after many years of battling it, I think it is dignified to empower yourself over your own death,” she says.

On 28 October, Martínez presented the Ley Trasciende proposal before Mexico’s Senate, noting broad openness across parliamentary groups and meetings with health committees aimed at securing a public debate in the next legislative period. While Mexico currently criminalises assisted death as “homicide out of pity”, the growing visibility of cases like hers is reshaping public discussion over whether the country should allow patients living with irreversible suffering to choose a dignified end to life.

At the heart of this festive tradition is El Castillo de la Esfera, “The Castle of the Bauble”, a workshop that has come to symbolise Chignahuapan’s artistry. Footage captured on Saturday, November 29, shows artisans shaping molten glass with steady breaths, transforming glowing droplets into fragile globes. Once cooled, each ornament is hand-painted with the kind of precision and creativity that has become a hallmark of the town’s craft.

“The Castle of the Bauble started 30 years ago as a tiny workshop of no more than five people ,” recalls sales director Javier Tirado Lozada. “Today, we are a team of more than 120.”

Despite international recognition, Chignahuapan’s artisans face stiff competition, especially from mass-produced ornaments in Asia. China’s dominance in plastic baubles has reshaped the market, pushing the Pueblo Mágico to innovate without losing its soul.

“To keep competing with the giants is our biggest challenge,” Tirado says. “We started producing plastic baubles about seven years ago, but with the same artisanal decoration, preserving that essence of craftsmanship.”

This commitment has paid off. Chignahuapan has become a magnet for holiday visitors, with families travelling from across Mexico to witness the ornament-making process and stock up on Christmas treasures.

“We love coming here in November,” one visitor shared. “We come mainly to buy baubles for the Christmas tree.”

According to the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), the town’s 370-plus workshops produce more than 70 million baubles each year, an astonishing figure for a community rooted in tradition rather than mass manufacturing.

Chignahuapan’s craftsmanship has earned global prestige. The town was designated a Pueblo Mágico in 2012, and in 2011, its ornaments were even used to decorate the Chapel of the Virgin of Guadalupe in the Vatican grottoes.

By admitting guilt, Guzmán López acknowledged his role in coordinating the trafficking of vast quantities of narcotics, including cocaine, heroin and fentanyl, from Mexico to the United States, operations overseen by a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel known as “Los Chapitos.” Under the terms of the plea deal, he will cooperate with U.S. authorities and return to court for sentencing on a date set by the judge.

One of the most startling admissions was Guzmán López’s involvement in the alleged 2024 abduction and delivery to U.S. custody of another cartel leader, Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada a move that reportedly deepened fractures within the cartel and triggered violent reprisals among rival factions.

Prosecutors say the guilty plea represents a major blow to the cartel’s infrastructure , and may help authorities better trace drug routes, money flows and cartel networks. While Guzmán López faces a minimum of 10 years in prison under the plea agreement, some legal observers believe his cooperation could spare him a life sentence.

With another son of “El Chapo”, Ovidio Guzmán López, already having accepted a similar plea earlier this year, the latest confession compounds pressure on the Sinaloa Cartel and signals a growing success for U.S. efforts to dismantle its leadership.

"The COMICI (Miss Côte d’Ivoire Committee), holder of the Miss Universe license, regrets to announce the withdrawal of its representative, Olivia Yace, Miss Côte d’Ivoire…  for personal reasons, from her elected mandates with Miss Universe, obtained at the conclusion of the 74th edition of the Miss Universe International pageant," it said in a statement on Facebook.

“Miss Olivia Yace, Miss Universe Africa & Oceania 2025, will formally hand over her Africa & Oceania banner to the organisation so that no one ignores it and to testify to this joint decision,” it added.

This year’s Miss Universe, held in Bangkok, Thailand, has come under criticism following a series of incidents leading up to the final that raised questions about contestant treatment and the competition’s transparency.

The event gained attention when Thai pageant organiser Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly reprimanded Mexico’s Fátima Bosch, this year’s Miss Universe, for not participating in a promotional shoot, reportedly calling her a “dumbhead.” The incident led to several contestants, including former Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig, walking out in protest .

Subsequently, two judges, Lebanese composer Omar Harfouch and French football legend Claude Makélélé, as well as the president of the selection committee, Princess Camilla di Borbone delle Due Sicilie, resigned days before the November 21 finale.

Harfouch has alleged that the finalists and winners were predetermined. Judge Natalie Glebova, who won the pageant in 2005, expressed her support for Miss Thailand as the winner on Instagram and announced she would not judge again until organisers ensure transparency. 

The results faced criticism online, with many arguing that Miss Côte d’Ivoire was unfairly overlooked and should have won.

The reduction has especially hurt supplies of fuel oil, one of the most important inputs for Cuba’s ageing thermoelectric power plants. Deliveries from Mexico fell by approximately 73%, while imports from Venezuela, historically Cuba’s most significant energy partner, dropped by nearly 15%.

As a result, Cuba has been forced to shut down significant portions of its electricity generation capacity. According to the national electrical union, nearly 900 megawatts, almost a third of daily demand, are now offline due to a lack of fuel and lubricants. In Havana, residents report unplanned blackouts of up to nine hours, while more remote provinces sometimes receive only two to four hours of electricity each day.

Cuban officials have attributed the crisis to a combination of external and internal factors, including the steep reduction in shipments from allies, payment difficulties, and a shortage of vessels capable of transporting fuel across the Caribbean. Meanwhile, longstanding US sanctions , economic instability and damage to infrastructure from Hurricane Melissa are also compounding the problem.

The situation has renewed international attention on Cuba’s energy vulnerability and geopolitical isolation. As global allies recalibrate their own energy strategies, Havana’s ability to maintain stable electricity access and avoid further social disruption may depend on forging new partnerships or accelerating its transition to renewable energy .

Torres said Mexico requires urgent international cooperation to address what he characterised as a deepening erosion of law and order. Speaking from the capital’s legislature, he delivered a direct message to foreign partners, stating: “And here from the Mexico City Congress, we call upon the international community, the European Parliament, and the US Congress to raise your voice on what's going on in Mexico. Unfortunately, the Lopez Obrador regime left a narco state, and there are a lot of Mexicans begging for help.”

His comments come at a time of escalating political tension between Mexico and the United States. Washington has issued increasingly forceful warnings about drug trafficking networks, with US President Donald Trump suggesting potential strikes or even deployment of personnel, proposals firmly rejected by President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration. Mexico’s government has accused critics of using security challenges for political purposes, insisting that the country’s institutions remain strong.

Torres also criticised Mexico’s handling of recent protests , pointing to clashes between riot police and members of the “Gen Z” movement earlier this month. He argued that the scenes, widely circulated on international media, damaged the country’s reputation and reflected poorly on federal decision-making. According to Torres, the government failed to protect young demonstrators’ rights, undermining public trust and projecting instability to the world.

Referencing the Global Organised Crime Index 2025, the legislator noted that Mexico now ranks among the countries most affected by criminal networks, with high levels of corruption and violence linked to organised groups. He argued that the country’s vulnerability is being exacerbated by officials embedded in corrupt systems, and reiterated his call for greater international scrutiny as Mexico attempts to confront its security challenges.

Trump also drew comparisons with recent US operations at sea, claiming that maritime drug routes had been reduced by 85% He argued that similar tactics could be applied on land if necessary, portraying them as a way to protect American lives.

The remarks come after deadly US strikes on alleged Venezuelan “narco boats”, which have already heightened tensions in Latin America . Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has firmly rejected any prospect of foreign intervention, insisting her country will not permit US military action on its territory.

Trump’s comments underline the strain in US-Mexico relations over how to tackle cross-border drug trafficking . The issue carries global significance, with Washington’s approach likely to shape regional security dynamics and international debates on sovereignty and counter-narcotics policy.

Hegseth praised the deployment of Stryker platoons working alongside US Border Patrol agents as part of efforts to tighten security along the Mexican border, framing the operations as essential to protecting national safety. The secretary also announced the new Defence Medal, intended to formally recognise personnel serving in these missions.

The comments come amid rising tensions with Mexico, whose president, Claudia Sheinbaum, has reiterated that the country will not permit the deployment of US troops on its territory under the banner of anti-narcotics operations. Despite this, multiple US media outlets report that Washington has already begun planning for a mission that would send American troops and intelligence officers into Mexico to target cartel networks more directly.

Meanwhile, Washington has acknowledged carrying out dozens of strikes on alleged Venezuela n drug-smuggling vessels since September, in operations that have reportedly killed at least 70 people. Venezuela has denied the accusations of trafficking and dismissed the military actions as “imperialist”, accusing the United States of pursuing destabilisation and attempting to force political change in the country.

"To protest against violence , to take action against violence, and also obviously to protest so that right-wing groups, opportunistic parties, and scavengers do not use the rightful anger of the protest," said one participant.

Organisers, mostly young demonstrators, voiced frustration that political groups had adopted the Straw Hat Pirates’ Jolly Roger symbol for their own purposes. 

"Many times right-wing groups, fascist groups, are the first to criminalise protest , the first to take rights away from the LGBT community, to ignore structural or systemic problems, etc. So it is even incongruent for them to take a symbol that has nothing to do with them," said another protester.

Participants also denounced U.S. anti-drug operations in the Caribbean, likening them to past interventions in Latin America . 

"This narco narrative of 'they are narcos, let's kill them,' which is the same one the United States has used for interventions in Venezuela ," said one protester. 

Police monitored the demonstration, which briefly disrupted traffic along Paseo de la Reforma, but no major incidents were reported.

Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to international law and sovereignty when addressing US policies in the region. “France is committed to the sovereignty of states,” he said, “and the fight against drug trafficking is a shared matter that must take place with mutual respect and within the framework of international law.” He added that France seeks to strengthen cooperation in customs and security, “always fully respecting national sovereignty.”

The French leader also commented on trade issues, reiterating his opposition to the current version of the EU–Mercosur agreement. “This agreement, in its current form, is not acceptable for France,” he said, “as it does not guarantee the protection of the agricultural sector as we require.” Macron noted that Paris has urged the European Commission to propose a new version with stronger safeguards. He also announced the relaunch of the Franco-Mexican Strategic Council to boost investment and “give greater visibility to investors on both sides.”

President Sheinbaum highlighted the economic and historical importance of the alliance, noting that next year Mexico will renew its trade agreement with the European Union while celebrating 200 years of diplomatic relations with France. “This will provide many opportunities for cooperation in technological and innovation development such as digital and renewable energy ,” she said.

Cultural diplomacy also took centre stage, with both leaders announcing a reciprocal exhibition of the Codex of Azcatitlan in Mexico and the Boturini Codex in France. “These codices are the written voice of our ancestors and the deep root of our identity,” Sheinbaum stated. The meeting concluded with a call to continue expanding collaboration between Mexico and France, reinforcing a partnership grounded in shared values of freedom, dignity and mutual respect.

“When this chancellor was imprisoned, she was released and decided to request asylum in Mexico. It was evaluated here in Mexico, just as all such requests are evaluated, and she went to the Mexican embassy in Peru, where she still remains,” Sheinbaum explained.

“This is where, due to this, the current president of Peru, through his chancellor, decided to break diplomatic relations with Mexico, which from our perspective is completely disproportionate,” she added.

“Yesterday, the Mexican ambassador, the head of the embassy, asked the Foreign Ministry and was told that the consular relationship was not being broken, only the diplomatic embassy relationship,” she said. “We will wait, however, to receive official notification, because we only know it through the statements.”

Peru’s Foreign Ministry announced the diplomatic severance on Friday, citing Mexico’s repeated interference in its internal affairs.

“The truth is they have tried to turn the perpetrators of the attempted coup d’état into victims,” de Zela said, noting that Peruvians remain committed to democracy .

He criticised Mexico for standing alone in failing to recognise Peru’s democratic order, calling its actions “wrong and unacceptable.” Despite the diplomatic rupture, de Zela clarified that consular relations would continue, ensuring protection for Peruvians in Mexico and Mexicans in Peru.

Footage from the scene shows police securing the area and Red Cross personnel assisting survivors, while the store remains severely damaged. Eyewitnesses described harrowing moments as they helped pull victims from the flames. "It’s truly a scene I will never forget," one resident said, recalling the chaos and the thick smoke.

Sonora Governor Alfonso Durazo noted that several minors were among the victims and that most deaths were caused by smoke inhalation rather than burns. He added that there is currently no evidence to suggest a criminal motive.

President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that she had directed the Interior Secretary to deploy a support team to assist the families of those killed. Authorities are investigating potential causes, including electrical faults, gas leaks, or a transformer failure.

The tragedy has drawn international attention, highlighting concerns over public safety in commercial spaces and emergency preparedness in densely populated urban areas.