Applause and calls for austerity mark Sheinbaum’s second government report

Claudia Sheinbaum’s second government report unfolded in Mexico’s National Palace amid applause, familiar faces and absences that drew notice. Speaking for one hour and six minutes in the Central Courtyard, the president covered security, the economy, social programs and Mexico’s relationship with the United States.

More than 300 guests surrounded her, including cabinet members, lawmakers, Supreme Court ministers, business leaders and governors. Her mother, Annie Pardo, also attended. Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda, governor of Baja California, was present amid controversy over recently released audio recordings concerning alleged efforts related to her U.S. visa. Businessman Carlos Slim sat in the third row with other figures from the business community.

The audience interrupted Sheinbaum repeatedly with applause. The strongest reactions came when she highlighted a 51% reduction in intentional homicides since the beginning of her administration and when she defended Mexico’s sovereignty in its dealings with the United States.

The speech also carried a political message. With Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya on leave and facing allegations, and after the United States withdrew the visa of Andrés Manuel López Beltrán, the son of former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador, Sheinbaum called for unity within her movement without naming either case. “Let no one be mistaken, there are no divisions here, there are no ruptures here; the only thing there is is the defense of the people of Mexico and their dignity,” she said.

Sheinbaum also sought to distance her administration from past excesses. She called on public servants to behave with simplicity and humility and said her government had bought no luxury vehicles or directed public money toward unnecessary expenses.

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Let no one be mistaken, there are no divisions here, there are no ruptures here; the only thing there is is the defense of the people of Mexico and their dignity.