How President Sheinbaum is Reclaiming Mexico's Industrial Heritage

In a move marking a significant shift in Mexico’s industrial and economic landscape, President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo announced on Wednesday the formal signing of energy and railway reform decrees. These legislative advancements effectively return control of the nation’s most essential resources—oil, electricity, and railway transportation—to the hands of the state. The reform marks a new chapter for Mexico as it reclaims stewardship over Pemex (Petróleos Mexicanos) and the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) while reintroducing passenger rail travel as a publicly administered service.

During her morning press conference, Sheinbaum emphasized the far-reaching impacts of the energy reforms. The President framed these changes as a fundamental return to the people, positioning Pemex and CFE as symbols of national identity and self-sufficiency. “The energy reform is about giving back to Mexico what is rightfully ours—our resources and our industry,” she declared. The move reverses decades of privatization that saw foreign and private entities play an increasingly prominent role in Mexico’s oil and electricity sectors.

With Pemex and CFE now under public administration, the state aims to steer its resources toward bolstering Mexico's energy independence, strengthening its workforce, and expanding domestic production capacities. Observers anticipate that Sheinbaum’s reforms will bring major structural changes to these organizations, potentially reshaping how Mexico addresses both domestic consumption and international energy trade.

In another ambitious step forward, Sheinbaum’s administration has also set the stage for the reintroduction of passenger railways. A large-scale national infrastructure project, the construction of these passenger trains will formally commence in April 2025, with expectations of creating 600,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly. This undertaking aims to revitalize Mexico’s railway sector—a once-vibrant mode of public transport—providing citizens with more efficient, sustainable, and accessible travel options.

The railway project promises economic stimulation in regions across the country, supporting not only construction and operational jobs but also auxiliary industries. The return of rail transportation will likely foster regional tourism, reduce road congestion, and offer an alternative to air travel, making domestic transit more inclusive and cost-effective.

Another key topic at the press conference was Mexico’s approach to cross-border security collaboration with the United States. President Sheinbaum emphasized that while the two nations would continue to work closely on security issues, Mexico will maintain its autonomy and sovereignty in all dealings. “We are going to coordinate with the United States, but Mexico is a free, sovereign, and independent country,” she stated firmly, underscoring her administration's commitment to balance partnership with the US without compromising Mexican independence.

This stance comes at a time when transnational concerns—such as drug trafficking and organized crime—necessitate cooperation but also highlight a need for respect in bilateral relations. Sheinbaum’s comments align with a growing trend among Latin American leaders who prioritize sovereignty while seeking balanced collaboration with global powers.

Rounding out her updates, President Sheinbaum addressed the status of the National Institute of Transparency, Access to Information and Protection of Personal Data (INAI). The proposed reform to disband INAI, an autonomous organization, is still under consideration as part of a broader agenda focused on restructuring autonomous entities. This reform aims to streamline governance while maintaining “technical independence” where necessary, according to Sheinbaum. Congress is expected to further deliberate on the practicalities of balancing autonomy and accountability in governmental oversight.

The potential dissolution of INAI has ignited significant debate within Mexico. Advocates argue that integrating its functions into state operations could enhance efficiency, while opponents fear it could erode governmental transparency. As Sheinbaum's administration explores these changes, it is clear that a redefinition of Mexico’s administrative structure could lead to substantial shifts in how information is accessed and managed across the nation.

With these reforms, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo has taken bold steps that redefine Mexico's strategic path in energy, transportation, and governance. By reclaiming control over Pemex, CFE, and the nation’s railway system, she is reshaping the national landscape in ways that align with her vision of a Mexico that is not only self-reliant but also inclusive and economically vibrant. Her administration’s determination to uphold Mexican sovereignty in security matters while streamlining government transparency policies reflects a broader ambition to chart a path of independence in a complex global environment.

As these reforms unfold, Mexico enters a new era where public ownership and national pride stand at the forefront of policy, signaling a resurgence of state-led initiatives aimed at fostering economic and social growth for all Mexicans.