Sheinbaum's morning press conference: Teacher raises, USMCA, and social programs dominate the May 19 agenda

In her morning press conference this Monday, May 19, 2025, President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo outlined her administration's priorities, highlighting the announcement of a salary increase for teachers, discussions on the USMCA, monitoring of basic food basket prices, and progress on social programs such as "Salud Casa por Casa."

The Mexican President's traditional morning press conference, held on May 19, served as a platform for Claudia Sheinbaum to communicate progress and positions on crucial issues for the country. From the Treasury Room of the National Palace, the president addressed a diverse agenda that ranged from the family economy to structural reforms and foreign policy.

One of the most significant announcements was the salary increase for the national teaching profession, a measure that seeks to recognize the work of teachers and improve their economic conditions. This announcement follows ongoing monitoring of the basic food basket, where it was reported that the cheapest option was found at La Comer in Santa María la Ribera (CDMX) at 844 pesos, while the most expensive was at Walmart Portal Centro at 983 pesos. Additionally, it was highlighted that the national average price of regular gasoline continues to decline, standing at 23.59 pesos per liter for the week of May 16.

In the area of ​​social programs, progress was presented on the "House-to-House Health" program, which, according to the President, could allow 14.5 million people to have personalized medical records. These actions reflect a continuation of policies focused on the well-being of the population and the strengthening of key sectors such as education and health, seeking to have a direct impact on the quality of life of Mexicans.

The upcoming judicial election was another central topic. Sheinbaum defended the proposal that the people should elect the Supreme Court justices, arguing that "it's better for the people to elect than for a select few" and anticipating high citizen turnout. In this context, the President categorically denied that she was preparing a bill to reform the law to directly appoint the head of the Attorney General's Office (FGR) or for governors to do the same with state prosecutors. This clarification seeks to allay fears about a possible concentration of power, although the discussion about popular judicial elections already outlines a significant change in the judiciary.

On the international front, the conversation with Mark Carney about the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and the importance of the trilateral trade relationship was discussed.

The conference also served as an opportunity for the government to take a position on recent events. President Sheinbaum expressed her condolences and solidarity with the families of the sailors killed in the accident on the Cuauhtémoc Training Ship in New York, as well as with the Ministry of the Navy. She described any attack against the Ministry of the Navy and the government in connection with this unfortunate event as "petty," especially when lives are lost.

These positions demonstrate how the "mañanera" is used not only to inform, but also to manage the official narrative and respond to crises, projecting an image of empathy and control.

"With judicial elections, we are renouncing the right [of a few] to elect ministers... it's better for the people to elect than a few." – President Claudia Sheinbaum.

This Monday's agenda reflects a government seeking to consolidate its social support base through direct programs and benefits, while promoting structural reforms and actively managing the communication of its actions and political positions.

What do you think about the topics covered in today's morning press conference? Leave your comment.

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