President Claudia Sheinbaum’s morning press conference on Friday set the stage for an eventful day, just two days before Mexico’s historic judicial elections. These elections mark a crucial step towards cleansing the judiciary of corruption, according to Sheinbaum and her supporters. However, critics fear that electing judges through popular vote may compromise judicial independence. The Washington Post’s editorial board warned that this process could potentially weaken the judiciary’s ability to check executive power. Despite the high stakes, voter turnout is predicted to be low, with only 13%-20% of eligible voters expected to participate.
During the press conference, Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of voting and urged Mexicans to exercise their democratic right on Sunday. She also shared insights from her meeting with Carlos Slim, Mexico’s wealthiest individual, discussing his optimistic outlook on Mexico’s future and his views on US-Mexico relations and incoming investments. Slim’s positive assessment of Mexico’s prospects aligns with his previous statements about the country’s promising future.
The looming threat of a 3.5% remittance tax on funds sent abroad by non-US citizens has sparked concern in Mexico. Following the recent passage of legislation in the US House of Representatives, Sheinbaum and Mexican senators are gearing up to challenge this tax in Washington, D.C. They plan to advocate against the tax, emphasizing its potential impact on Mexican nationals living in the US. Sheinbaum stressed the unfairness of imposing additional taxes on individuals who already contribute to both countries’ economies.
As Sheinbaum reflected on her first year in office and the challenges she has faced, she underscored the importance of sticking to one’s principles in decision-making. Drawing on President López Obrador’s philosophy that “politics is principles and effectiveness,” she highlighted the significance of grounding decisions in fundamental values, especially in times of uncertainty.
The upcoming trip to Washington by Mexican senators signifies a united front against the proposed remittance tax, with representatives from various political parties joining forces to defend the interests of Mexican nationals abroad. This collaborative effort reflects Mexico’s commitment to supporting its citizens and advocating for their rights on the international stage. The outcome of this diplomatic mission could have far-reaching implications for bilateral relations and the economic well-being of Mexican expatriates in the US.
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