Introduction
As 2025 draws to a close, Mexico has experienced several significant events that have left an indelible mark on the nation. These events range from international economic challenges, domestic political developments, to emergency and security situations that have garnered global attention.
Claudia Sheinbaum’s Leadership and the “Plan México”
The First Female President: Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo assumed the presidency of Mexico, becoming the country’s first female leader. On January 13, she introduced the “Plan México,” a comprehensive strategy aiming to establish Mexico as a regional leader in economic development, social equity, and other key areas.
Economic Ambitions: One of the goals outlined in the plan was to elevate Mexico’s economy from its current 12th position globally to the 10th largest. This ambitious target reflects Sheinbaum Pardo’s commitment to enhancing Mexico’s standing on the world stage.
Trade Tensions with the United States
Trump’s Trade Policies: On January 20, Donald Trump commenced his second term as the U.S. President and established the Office of Foreign Collections to levy tariffs and other foreign revenues. Subsequently, Mexico has navigated negotiations to mitigate, postpone, or permanently avoid tariffs on various exported goods.
Geopolitical Maneuvers: On February 9, Trump signed a decree renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America,” reflecting a misguided belief that the U.S. represents all of North America. Moreover, on January 20, Trump’s administration added several Mexican drug cartels—Sinaloa, Jalisco Nueva Generación, Unidos, del Noreste, del Golfo, and Nueva Familia Michoacana—along with the Mara Salvatrucha and Tren de Aragua to its terrorist list.
Mexico’s Response to Drug Cartels
Extradition of High-Profile Criminals: On February 27, Mexico unexpectedly extradited 29 alleged drug traffickers to the U.S., including Rafael Caro Quintero, Enrique “Kiki” Camarena’s assassin; Vicente Carrillo Fuentes, leader of the Juárez Cartel; Miguel Ángel Treviño Morales, former leader of Los Zetas; Antonio Oseguera, key financial and logistical operator for the CJNG; and José Jesús Méndez, founder and leader of “La Familia Michoacana.”
Security Concerns and Investigations
Rancho Izaguirre Investigation: In March, search groups for missing persons reported discovering a site of extermination at Rancho Izaguirre in Teuchitlán, Jalisco. The FGR later determined that the location served as a training camp for drug cartels.
Water Treaty Dispute: The USDA accused Mexico of failing to meet its obligations in a water-sharing treaty along the U.S.-Mexico border, prompting Trump to threaten tariffs. After months of dialogue, an agreement was reached on December 12.
Buque Escuela Cuauhtémoc Accident: On May 17, the Mexican Navy’s training ship ARM “Cuauhtémoc” (BE-01) collided with the Brooklyn Bridge during a departure maneuver. Following the incident, the ship returned to Mexico on November 2.
Judicial Elections and Reforms
New Era of Judicial Appointments: Mexico initiated a “new era” following its first judicial elections on June 1 to select judges and magistrates. However, the actual transition occurred on September 1 when supreme court justices, electoral tribunal magistrates, and numerous district and state judges assumed their roles.
Sheinbaum’s First Governance Report: In her first governance report, Sheinbaum Pardo highlighted the approval of 19 constitutional reforms and 40 new laws over the past year, describing them as a “profound change” from inherited shortcomings.
Security and Social Issues
Iztapalapa Gas Tanker Explosion: On September 10, a gas tanker overturned and exploded at the Concordia Bridge in Iztapalapa, resulting in 32 fatalities and over 90 injuries.
Historic Flooding: Severe rainfall and flooding, particularly in Veracruz, Puebla, Hidalgo, San Luis Potosí, and Querétaro, caused substantial damage to infrastructure, along with numerous deaths and disappearances.
Assassination of Carlos Manzo: On November 1, Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan, Michoacán, was fatally shot in the town’s central plaza during the Festival of Lanterns.
Generation Z Concerns: On November 15, thousands of people in Mexico City and other regions expressed their frustration with perceived insecurity across the nation.
World Cup Sorting Meeting: On December 5, Sheinbaum Pardo traveled to Washington D.C. to participate in the World Cup 2026 group-defining meeting, which brought together leaders from the three host countries.
Michoacán Car Bomb: The organized crime is suspected of causing an explosion in a vehicle in Coahuayana, Michoacán, resulting in two deaths and seven injuries.
T-MEC Negotiations: Throughout the year, Mexican, U.S., and Canadian authorities addressed T-MEC issues in anticipation of the July 1, 2026, deadline when trade relations between the three nations will be reassessed.
