Background on Claudia Sheinbaum
Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo is the current Head of Government (equivalent to Mayor) of Mexico City, serving since 2018. Previously, she was the Secretary of Environmental Affairs and Sustainable Development for Mexico City from 2012 to 2018. Sheinbaum is a prominent figure in Mexican politics, known for her advocacy on environmental issues and social justice. Her recent focus has been on reinforcing Mexico’s sovereignty and protecting it from foreign interference.
Constitutional Reform and Sovereignty
During the Civic-Military Parade commemorating Mexico’s 215th Independence Anniversary, Sheinbaum Pardo emphasized that national sovereignty is the “right to be ourselves.” She highlighted a significant constitutional reform achieved in 2025 that strengthens Mexico’s protection against any foreign intervention.
- The reform modifies Article 40 of the Constitution to explicitly state that Mexico will not accept under any circumstances “interventions, intrusions, or any other act from abroad that may harm its integrity, independence, and sovereignty.” This includes golpes de Estado (military coups), foreign interference in elections, or violations of national territory.
- Sheinbaum Pardo reminded that, according to the Mexican Constitution, sovereignty resides essentially and originally in the people. Public power is established for the benefit of citizens.
- She warned against those seeking support from foreign powers to “defame Mexico,” comparing them to conservatives who brought Maximilian and golpistas who supported Victoriano Huerta. Sheinbaum Pardo asserted, “No foreign interference is possible in our homeland.”
Historical Context: José María Morelos and the Fight for Sovereignty
Sheinbaum Pardo invoked the “Sentimientos de la Nación” by José María Morelos y Pavón, emphasizing that sovereignty emanates from the people and justice must be equal for all. Morelos, a key figure in Mexico’s struggle for independence from Spain, advocated for social justice and equality, laying the groundwork for a free and just nation.
Combatting Corruption in the Mexican Navy
Raymundo Pedro Morales Ángeles, Secretary of the Navy and high-ranking official in Mexico’s Navy, spoke about the institution’s efforts to eradicate corruption. He mentioned that difficult but necessary decisions have been made to address corrupt acts within the Navy.
- Morales Ángeles stated that the Navy has maintained honesty and transparency as guiding principles, committing to confront any challenge regardless of the cost or who it may involve.
- He emphasized that the Navy itself placed elements involved in reproachable acts at the disposal of the law, demonstrating “wisdom, prudence, and consistency” to prevent corruption from taking root.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is national sovereignty according to Claudia Sheinbaum? Sovereignty, for Sheinbaum Pardo, is the “right to be ourselves.” It resides essentially and originally in the people, as per the Mexican Constitution.
- What does the constitutional reform of 2025 entail? The reform modifies Article 40 of the Constitution to explicitly protect Mexico from any foreign intervention, including golpes de Estado, election interference, and territorial violations.
- How has the Mexican Navy addressed corruption? The Navy, under Raymundo Pedro Morales Ángeles’ leadership, has made difficult but necessary decisions to combat corruption. They have placed corrupt elements at the disposal of the law, demonstrating commitment to honesty and transparency.
