Sheinbaum Addresses Global Conflicts, Judicial Reform, and Industrial Incident in Morning Briefing

On Friday, President Claudia Sheinbaum, in her daily "People's Morning" press conference, took the opportunity to address a series of significant domestic and international issues ranging from the Israel-Palestine conflict to energy sector challenges, constitutional reform, and historical reconciliation. Her remarks offered a glimpse into the current administration’s stance on critical global and national events, reiterating Mexico’s commitment to peace, social justice, and accountability.

In her opening remarks, Sheinbaum highlighted Mexico’s position on the escalating violence between Israel and Palestine, calling for an immediate end to hostilities and urging the international community to push for lasting peace. The president underscored her administration's unequivocal support for Palestinian statehood.

“We believe that the Palestinian State must be recognized in all its magnitude,” Sheinbaum stated firmly, reiterating a position that aligns with Mexico’s historical support for non-intervention and peaceful conflict resolution. She confirmed that since the outset of the conflict, her administration has condemned the violence and urged for diplomatic measures to bring about a peaceful resolution.

Mexico’s firm stance on the issue reflects the country’s broader foreign policy rooted in respect for human rights and peaceful diplomacy. Sheinbaum’s remarks serve as a reminder of Mexico’s role as a voice for peace in international forums, especially at a time when many nations remain divided on the issue.

“There Is No Crisis”

Turning her focus to domestic matters, President Sheinbaum addressed concerns about a purported constitutional crisis, dismissing rumors that Mexico’s judicial system was in disarray following recent reforms. With speculation swirling around the judiciary's role in the constitutional amendments, Sheinbaum sought to clarify that the system remains intact and functioning.

“There is no constitutional crisis,” she assured the public, pushing back against critics who argue that judicial reforms have undermined the rule of law. She noted that while some ministers oppose the reforms, they have no legal standing to halt the changes, which were implemented by the Federal Judicial Council (CJF) following constitutional mandates.

Sheinbaum’s government has championed these reforms, which aim to overhaul the justice system in ways that align with the broader goals of Mexico’s Fourth Transformation, or Cuarta Transformación (4T). The reform, she contended, would consolidate and democratize Mexico’s judicial system, making it more accessible to all citizens regardless of socioeconomic background.

“The 4T is about justice in its broadest scope—social justice for women, environmental justice—and it is a justice system that ensures all Mexicans, no matter their origin or social class, have access to the same legal protections,” she stated.

Sheinbaum’s reference to social and environmental justice as cornerstones of her administration’s policy reflects the broader progressive agenda of the 4T movement, which has sought to rectify longstanding inequalities in Mexican society.

Pemex Responds to the Deer Park Incident

On the industrial front, Sheinbaum brought attention to the ongoing investigations at Pemex’s Deer Park refinery in Texas, where an acid gas leak recently caused significant concern. Víctor Rodríguez Padilla, the director of Mexico’s state oil company, informed the public that the company remains in close contact with the families affected by the incident.

“We still cannot say what caused the leak,” Rodríguez Padilla said, underscoring that investigations are ongoing and no conclusions will be drawn until the root cause is identified. In the wake of the leak, Pemex temporarily halted operations at four plants, including a water treatment plant and three refining facilities, as a precautionary measure.

The Deer Park refinery, which Mexico acquired in 2021, represents a key asset in the country’s strategy to become more energy-independent. The incident, however, raises questions about the safety protocols and operational risks associated with such facilities, particularly in light of Mexico’s recent investments in the energy sector.

Rodríguez Padilla’s assurances that the leak is under control and that local authorities, including those at the federal level in the U.S., are involved in the investigation reflect Pemex’s intent to handle the incident transparently. Nonetheless, the company's response will be closely scrutinized, both domestically and abroad.

Calling for Historical Reconciliation

In a pivot toward historical justice, Sheinbaum also used the platform to address an issue close to her heart—reconciliation for past atrocities against indigenous peoples. On the eve of Hispanic Heritage Day, celebrated on October 12, Sheinbaum played a video showing a series of public apologies issued by states around the world for crimes against humanity.

“To see if Spain is encouraged to start this process of public apology to the indigenous peoples tomorrow,” Sheinbaum remarked, referring to the long-standing tensions between Mexico and Spain over the legacy of colonization.

The video presentation emphasized the importance of public apologies in reconciling with historical wrongs, portraying them as a step toward healing and recognition. Sheinbaum took a clear stance against the previous practice of calling October 12 ‘the Day of the Race,’ a celebration that, according to her, fails to acknowledge the suffering of indigenous peoples during the colonial era.

Her message reinforces the broader 4T agenda’s focus on historical accountability and respect for Mexico’s indigenous heritage. By encouraging Spain to take responsibility for its colonial past, Sheinbaum is advocating for a new narrative that recognizes the full scope of indigenous contributions to Mexican culture and history.

As the press conference drew to a close, Sheinbaum’s messaging was clear: under her leadership, Mexico is committed to promoting peace, justice, and reconciliation both at home and abroad. Whether addressing international conflicts or domestic challenges, the president seeks to position her administration as a force for progressive change, social equity, and historical rectification.

In reaffirming Mexico’s dedication to Palestinian statehood, pushing forward with constitutional reforms, and holding Pemex accountable for industrial safety, Sheinbaum is articulating a vision of Mexico as a modern, just, and globally engaged nation. At the same time, her call for Spain to apologize for its colonial past signals that her administration is not afraid to confront difficult historical truths.

For Sheinbaum, the Fourth Transformation is not just a political project; it is a blueprint for a more equitable and just society—one where past injustices are acknowledged and future opportunities are accessible to all Mexicans.