Background and Relevance
In Mexico, the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) and Pemex are set to provide their retirees with the highest pensions in 2026, with CFE retirees receiving pensions 5.3 times greater than those who contributed to the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS).
This information stems from the 2026 Economic Package compiled by the Center for Economic Research and Budgeting (CIEP). The stark contrast in pension amounts highlights the pressing need for comprehensive pension reform addressing existing disparities.
Pension Amounts by Institution
- CFE: The average annual pension for CFE retirees in 2026 will be approximately 961,365 pesos.
- Pemex: The average annual pension for Pemex retirees in 2026 will be around 620,109 pesos.
- ISSSTE: The average annual pension for ISSSTE retirees will be about 279,982 pesos.
- IMSS: The average annual pension for IMSS retirees will be roughly 179,609 pesos.
- Social Programs: Pension Universal for Elderly Adults: 43,152 pesos; Pension for People with Disabilities: 34,580 pesos; Women’s Well-being Pension: 19,278 pesos.
The disparity is evident when CFE retirees receive pensions 50 times greater than those provided to women aged 60-64 through the Women’s Well-being Pension.
Experts’ Perspectives
Alejandra Macías, the CIEP’s executive director, emphasized that while pensions represent a significant government expenditure, the core issue lies in the existing inequality within the pension system.
“Some pensions are genuinely excessive, and the federal government is bearing the burden through our taxes,” Macías stated. “The solution isn’t about reducing everyone’s pensions but understanding why certain workers have better pension plans than others.”
Macías advocates for a broad and comprehensive pension reform addressing these disparities and abuses.
Government Initiatives
In response to the controversy, Mexico City’s Chief of Government, Claudia Sheinbaum, announced on September 8th that she would submit a constitutional reform to Congress during the current session to eliminate ‘golden pensions’ in Pemex and Luz y Fuerza del Centro (LyFC), without explicitly mentioning CFE pensions.
This announcement came shortly after the federal government exposed the exorbitant pensions, up to one million pesos, received by some retired Pemex and LyFC employees.
LyFC has 33 retirees receiving monthly pensions between 700,000 and 999,999 pesos, while 75 receive pensions between 400,000 and 699,000 pesos. In Pemex, 15 retirees receive monthly pensions over 340,000 pesos; eight receive between 320,000 and 339,000 pesos; 115 receive between 300,000 and 320,000 pesos; and 133 receive between 280,000 and 300,000 pesos.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue? The primary concern is the significant disparity in pension amounts between different institutions and social programs.
- Who are the key figures? Alejandra Macías, CIEP’s executive director, and Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico City’s Chief of Government, are central to this discussion.
- What is the proposed solution? Experts advocate for a comprehensive pension reform addressing existing inequalities and abuses.
- What actions has the government taken? Claudia Sheinbaum announced a constitutional reform to eliminate ‘golden pensions’ in Pemex and LyFC.
