Andrea Marván Saltiel Poised to Lead International Competition Network Amid Mexican Institutional Restructuring

Web Editor

April 23, 2025

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Background on Andrea Marván Saltiel and Her Relevance

Andrea Marván Saltiel, the Commissioner President of Mexico’s Federal Competition Economic Commission (Cofece), is a prominent figure in Mexico’s competition policy landscape. Her potential appointment as the new head of the International Competition Network (INC) highlights her international standing and influence in the field.

Institutional Restructuring in Mexico

Under Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration, Mexico has undergone significant institutional restructuring. The Inai and Mejoredu have been abolished, with their commissioners ceasing their functions as per Article 10’s transitional terms. The recently published Decree on March 20th formalized this restructuring, affecting Cofece and the IFT. Although the Congress of the Union still needs to pass secondary laws on competition and free market principles, as well as telecommunications and broadcasting regulations, both autonomous bodies will fulfill their mandates until 180 days after the new laws take effect.

The International Competition Network (INC)

The annual meeting of the INC is scheduled for late May in Edinburgh. Marván Saltiel, who currently holds one of the two vice-presidencies in the organization, has been campaigning for the presidency. Recently, during the American Bar Association Congress in Washington D.C., she successfully lobbied for her cause.

European Union’s Priorities and Collaboration with Mexico

The European Union prioritizes the modernization of the EU-Mexico Global Agreement. Teresa Ribera, the European Commission’s Executive Vice-President for a Just Transition, Clean and Competitive, emphasized the importance of strengthening relations with Mexico to defend multilateralism in addressing global challenges.

Mexico’s Strategic Importance to the European Union

Mexico is among the top 10 strategic partners of the European Union, which seeks to further solidify its alliances with Latin America and the Caribbean, especially in light of the upcoming IV CELAC-UE Summit in Colombia. The ongoing trade disputes and political uncertainties, as reported by the IMF, will significantly impact economic activities.

Secondary Effects: UNAM Protests

Brief Overview:

There have been informational assemblies in various UNAM faculties and schools to vote on a proposed “cultural strike” extending until the next Thursday, April 24. Some institutions, like the Engineering Faculty, experienced attempts to prevent unjustified “takeovers” by faculty members, including Director José Antonio Hernández Espriú. The suspension of activities has spread to other public higher education institutions, such as UAM, where an “indefinite strike” has been called.

Key Questions and Answers

  • Q: Who is Andrea Marván Saltiel and why is her potential appointment significant? A: Andrea Marván Saltiel is the Commissioner President of Mexico’s Federal Competition Economic Commission (Cofece). Her potential appointment as the new head of the International Competition Network (INC) highlights her international standing and influence in competition policy.
  • Q: What is the institutional restructuring in Mexico and how does it affect Cofece and IFT? A: Under Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration, Mexico has undergone significant institutional restructuring. The Inai and Mejoredu have been abolished, affecting Cofece and IFT. Although secondary laws are still pending, both autonomous bodies will fulfill their mandates until 180 days after the new laws take effect.
  • Q: What is the International Competition Network (INC) and Marván Saltiel’s role in it? A: The INC is an international organization promoting competition policy and legal frameworks. Marván Saltiel, currently a vice-president, has been campaigning for the presidency and recently lobbied successfully at the American Bar Association Congress.
  • Q: What are the European Union’s priorities regarding Mexico and how does it aim to strengthen relations? A: The European Union prioritizes the modernization of the EU-Mexico Global Agreement and aims to strengthen relations with Mexico through Teresa Ribera’s advocacy for a just, clean, and competitive transition. This collaboration seeks to defend multilateralism in addressing global challenges.
  • Q: Why is Mexico strategically important to the European Union, and what are the implications of ongoing trade disputes? A: Mexico is a top strategic partner for the European Union, which seeks to solidify alliances with Latin America and the Caribbean. Ongoing trade disputes and political uncertainties, as reported by the IMF, will significantly impact economic activities.
  • Q: What are the recent events at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM)? A: There have been informational assemblies in UNAM faculties and schools to vote on a proposed “cultural strike.” Some institutions experienced attempts to prevent unjustified takeovers, while other public higher education institutions have called for an “indefinite strike.”