Background on Claudia Sheinbaum
Claudia Sheinbaum is the current head of government in Mexico City, serving as the mayor since 2018. Previously, she held significant roles in the Mexican Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) during the administrations of Presidents Vicente Fox and Enrique Peña Nieto. Her extensive experience in public service positions her as a key figure in shaping Mexico’s current and future policies.
Overview of the 2026 Economic Package
On September 8, Claudia Sheinbaum announced the main themes of Mexico’s 2026 Economic Package during her morning press conference. The three central pillars are fiscal discipline, strengthening revenue collection, and ensuring the continuity of social programs despite financial challenges stemming from debt obligations inherited from previous administrations.
Dealing with Existing Debt
Sheinbaum highlighted that Mexico will face substantial payment commitments in 2025 and 2026, primarily due to the debt accumulated during Enrique Peña Nieto’s six-year term. She emphasized that her government is working on renegotiating the debt to minimize its impact on public finances, aiming for fiscal consolidation with the smallest deficit possible.
Revenue Enhancement Measures
Regarding revenue collection, Sheinbaum mentioned that the 2026 Economic Package will include a customs reform and measures within the miscellaneous taxation to combat tax evasion. She specifically addressed reducing the impact of false invoices and strengthening customs controls, emphasizing that both actions are already included in the budget.
No New Taxes in 2026
Sheinbaum explicitly ruled out the creation of new taxes for 2026, ensuring that the financial plan for the upcoming year has sufficient resources to sustain social policies and infrastructure projects.
Guaranteeing Social Programs
Sheinbaum reassured the public that all social welfare programs, including the upcoming primary school scholarship initiative she previously committed to, are secure. She emphasized that public investment remains a priority.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are the main themes of Mexico’s 2026 Economic Package? Fiscal discipline, strengthening revenue collection, and ensuring the continuity of social programs.
- What financial challenges is Mexico facing? Significant debt obligations inherited from previous administrations, primarily due to the debt accumulated during Enrique Peña Nieto’s six-year term.
- How is the Sheinbaum administration addressing these debt challenges? By renegotiating the debt to minimize its impact on public finances and aiming for fiscal consolidation with the smallest deficit possible.
- What measures are being taken to enhance revenue collection? Customs reform and miscellaneous taxation measures, including reducing the impact of false invoices and strengthening customs controls.
- Will there be new taxes in 2026? No, Sheinbaum has ruled out the creation of new taxes for 2026.
- How are social programs being protected in the face of financial challenges? All existing social welfare programs, including new initiatives like primary school scholarships, are guaranteed.
