Mexico's Sheinbaum: Homicides Decreasing, Criticizes Past Cartel Glorification

President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo asserted that intentional homicides have decreased by 46% since the start of her administration and expressed confidence that this downward trend will continue. She highlighted that the previous day recorded the lowest number of homicides in many years, with just 21 incidents, indicating progress in her security strategy.

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In effect, yesterday was the day with the fewest homicides in many years; 21 homicides and these obviously are people, but these indicators show us how we are advancing(...). We, in less than two years, have reduced intentional homicides by 46% and they will continue to decrease, I am sure.

Sheinbaum sharply criticized the administrations of former presidents Felipe Calderón and Enrique Peña Nieto, accusing them of glorifying drug cartels. She argued that during their terms, criminal groups were elevated in media and music, portrayed as heroes. "Now it is about attending to young people. A young person links up with a criminal group not only for economic reasons but for identity, incredibly," Sheinbaum stated, explaining that media portrayals and series about drug traffickers can influence young people to seek identity through crime.

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Now it is about attending to young people. A young person links up with a criminal group not only for economic reasons but for identity, incredibly. And if the identity is in the media, in the narco series, 'it's going to go better for you if you link up with a criminal group,' then they seek an identity through crime. And as I have said, that is not an identity.

She also referenced the security situation under former presidents Vicente Fox, whose administration left office with 28.6 daily homicides, and Calderón, whose "war on drugs" she contrasted with the current approach. She attributed the security improvements in her administration to a clear strategy, strong will, a commitment to service, and honesty. Sheinbaum's approach prioritizes addressing the underlying causes that lead young people to join criminal organizations, aiming for a cultural shift away from the glorification of criminal activity.

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Now is to attend to the young people. A young person links up with a criminal group not only for economic reasons but for identity, incredibly.