Introduction to the Issue
According to various news reports, last Monday, journalists attending the morning press conference hosted by President Sheinbaum received a copy of the newly implemented “Regulation” by the “Social Communication Area of the Presidency.” The informal manner in which the president’s team has managed the organization rules for these conferences is striking.
Legal Requirements and the Nature of Mañaneras del Pueblo
From a legal standpoint, the Morning Press Conferences of the People (Mañaneras del Pueblo) are acts of authority and must comply with constitutional requirements, as confirmed by various judicial precedents. The regulation issued by the Presidency of the Republic for these conferences must be properly founded, motivated, published in the Federal Register, and obligatory for general observance.
Contrasting the Official Regulation
However, according to news reports, the Communication Social team distributed an unpublished “Reglamento” among attendees and asked them to sign it, resembling a school circular. The regulation was not published in the Federal Register; the only official information available is a PDF file that can be downloaded from
Content and Implications of the Guidelines
The available information shows that the guidelines include various restrictions exhibiting simulated censorship and a clear intention to control public narrative. For instance, personal interventions are prohibited, and the conferences aren’t meant for an exchange of opinions. These prohibitions are incompatible with public debate, which the 4T has called “Mañaneras del Pueblo.” Consequently, the public is barred from participating and expressing personal opinions during their own morning conferences.
Selection of Questioners and Information Dissemination
The new rules stipulate that the President will handpick who can formulate questions, with no other criteria for granting the floor. The authority claims the power to verify that generated information is disseminated and reflected in journalistic materials through platforms and channels deemed appropriate. In essence, journalists are obligated—not entitled—to spread conference information.
Respect for Rights and Freedoms
While press conferences should adhere to rules for their organization when arranged by authorities, they must respect individuals’ rights, especially freedom of expression and the right to question public performance.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the issue at hand? The controversy revolves around the informal and unpublished “Reglamento” for Sheinbaum’s morning press conferences, which seem to contravene legal requirements and restrict public participation.
- What are the legal requirements for such conferences? These conferences, as acts of authority, must comply with constitutional requirements, be properly founded and motivated, published in the Federal Register, and obligatory for general observance.
- What are the restrictions imposed by the guidelines? The guidelines prohibit personal interventions and portray the conferences as non-exchange platforms for opinions, effectively silencing public participation.
- How does the new regulation affect journalists? Journalists are obligated to disseminate conference information, with no right to refuse or question the content, which undermines their role as independent information conveyors.
- Why is this a concern regarding individual rights? Press conferences organized by authorities should respect individuals’ rights, especially freedom of expression and the right to question public performance.
