Introduction to Claudia Sheinbaum and Her Role
Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, the President of Mexico, delivered a speech on Sunday at the Zócalo in Mexico City, marking her first year as the head of the government. Sheinbaum is a prominent figure in Mexican politics, known for her dedication to social issues and cultural development. As the head of the capital city’s government, she has been instrumental in shaping policies that impact the cultural landscape of Mexico.
Additional Budget for Cultural Projects
During her address, Sheinbaum announced that she had requested the Mexican Congress to redirect funds from a proposed budget cut for the Federal Judicial Power (PJF) in 2026 to the Cultural sector, specifically emphasizing national film production. This move aims to bolster cultural initiatives in Mexico.
Details of the Proposed Budget Increase
The proposed budget for 2026 under Ramo 48, Cultura, would see an addition of approximately 2,000 million pesos, bringing the total to over 15,000 million pesos. This amount is similar to what the sector received this year, with a focus on investments in the Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) and the National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature (INBAL), particularly for arts education and research.
Previously, the Secretariat of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP) had presented a budget proposal to Congress containing around 13,097 million pesos for Ramo 48, Cultura. Without Sheinbaum’s announced extension, this would have represented a reduction of about 2,000 million pesos, or a 17% decrease in real terms.
Approval Process and Timeline
The budget increase will become official once the Chamber of Deputies confirms it with a majority vote. The deadline for PEF approval is November 15, as per the legislative calendar agreed upon by this body.
Sheinbaum Highlights Music and Literature Initiatives
In her public speech, Sheinbaum also confirmed significant budget allocations for artistic formation schools since last year. She mentioned the “México canta” program, aimed at promoting musical creativity in the country while rejecting crime glorification, launched in April. This initiative unites Mexican youth in the U.S. and Mexico to foster culture and peace.
Furthermore, she announced the full operation of the third Cineteca Nacional branch in Chapultepec’s fourth section, initiated in August. Lastly, she confirmed that Mexico will distribute the “25 libros para el 25” project in December with several Latin American countries, aiming to reintroduce magical realism to younger generations through the Fondo de Cultura Económica (FCE).
Cultural Commission in San Lázaro Approves Work Plan
The previous week, the Cultural and Cinematography Commission in the Chamber of Deputies held its eighth ordinary meeting, where they approved their Annual Work Plan for the 2025-2026 transition. Among their tasks is to review, study, analyze, evaluate, and propose adjustments to the cultural and cinematographic programs’ budget allocation in PEF 2026, prioritizing those that include human rights perspectives, substantive equality, protection of indigenous peoples, and cultural access in rural or marginalized communities.
The commission’s opinion will be disclosed shortly, following Sheinbaum’s announcement that the deficit will be compensated, despite expectations for legislators’ comments on the budget breakdown for Culture over almost a month. This fifth ordinary meeting had anticipated some discussion and the creation of preliminary opinions on the budget distribution within the cultural sector.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the additional budget amount for Mexico’s cultural sector in 2026? Approximately 2,000 million pesos.
- Which cultural projects will benefit from this budget increase? National film production, artistic formation schools, the “México canta” music program, full operation of Cineteca Nacional’s third branch, and the “25 libros para el 25” literature project.
- When will the budget increase for the cultural sector be confirmed? Once the Chamber of Deputies approves it with a majority vote, likely within the next few weeks.
- What is the role of the Cultural and Cinematography Commission in the Chamber of Deputies? The commission reviews, studies, analyzes, evaluates, and proposes adjustments to the cultural and cinematographic programs’ budget allocation in PEF 2026, prioritizing projects that include human rights perspectives, substantive equality, protection of indigenous peoples, and cultural access in rural or marginalized communities.
