Background on the Situation
The Secretary General of the Mexican Chamber of Deputies, Mauricio Farah Gebara, has rejected the idea that legislators will receive a salary increase in the upcoming year. This stance comes despite projections from the 2026 Presupuesto de Egresos (PEF) indicating that each of the 500 deputies will earn a monthly salary of 108,935 pesos by 2026. This represents an annual increase of 9.5%.
Who is Mauricio Farah Gebara?
Mauricio Farah Gebara serves as the Secretary General of the Mexican Chamber of Deputados, a crucial role in managing and overseeing the legislative body’s operations. His position places him at the heart of discussions regarding budgetary matters and legislative compensation.
Key Points of Contention
- Salary Projections: The 2026 PEF suggests that legislators’ salaries will rise significantly, with a monthly salary of 108,935 pesos by 2026. This equates to a 9.5% annual increase.
- Secretary General’s Stance: Farah Gebara maintains that there will be no salary or benefit increase for legislators, citing the existing Manual Regulating Remuneration for Federal Deputies, Managers, and Their Counterparts in the Chamber of Deputies.
- Discrepancy in Claims: The PEF project dictamen indicates that legislators would earn an annual salary of 1,307,224 pesos in 2026—a 9.5% increase (113,739 pesos) from the 2025 salary of 1,193,485 pesos.
- Benefits and Perks: The PEF projections also show that legislators’ benefits will increase by over 74,500 pesos, with their end-of-year bonus rising from 140,504 pesos in 2025 to 147,438 pesos in 2026. Their life insurance value will also increase from 59,984 pesos.
Reactions and Statements
In response to the controversy, Ricardo Monreal Ávila, president of the Junta de Coordinación Política (Jucopo) and coordinator of Morena’s parliamentary group, denied any plans for compensatory support for legislators. He stated that the budget for 2026 is 3% less than the current year, so legislators will continue to receive the same compensation.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What is the main issue at hand? A: The primary concern revolves around whether Mexican legislators will receive salary increases as projected in the 2026 PEF, despite the Secretary General’s rejection.
- Q: Who is Mauricio Farah Gebara, and what is his role? A: Mauricio Farah Gebara serves as the Secretary General of the Mexican Chamber of Deputados, responsible for managing and overseeing legislative operations.
- Q: What does the 2026 PEF project dictamen suggest regarding legislators’ salaries? A: The 2026 PEF project dictamen indicates that legislators’ monthly salaries will rise to 108,935 pesos by 2026, representing a 9.5% annual increase.
- Q: How has Mauricio Farah Gebara responded to these projections? A: Farah Gebara has maintained that there will be no salary or benefit increase for legislators, citing existing regulations.
- Q: What are the legislators’ benefits and perks projected to increase under the 2026 PEF? A: The 2026 PEF projections suggest that legislators’ benefits will increase by over 74,500 pesos, with their end-of-year bonus rising and life insurance value increasing.
- Q: How has Ricardo Monreal Ávila responded to the controversy? A: Ricardo Monreal Ávila, president of the Jucopo, has denied any plans for compensatory support for legislators due to the reduced 2026 budget.