On March 14, 2025, President Claudia Sheinbaum held her morning press conference, addressing key national and international issues. Among the topics discussed were significant advances in artistic education, national sovereignty, and economic strategies.
The head of the Secretariat of Culture, Claudia Curiel, highlighted the progress of the National System of Formal and Community Artistic Education. She announced the creation of 418 "Creative Seedbeds for Peace," which have benefitted over 13,735 children, with plans to grow this number by 9,000 more children by the end of 2025. Curiel also noted the establishment of alliances impacting 282 municipalities, with intentions to set up 4,000 additional initiatives next year.
Additional strides have been made to offer free artistic education, as the federal government has removed enrollment fees at the National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature (INBAL). This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring access to the arts for all young people.
One of the programs currently under development is the Original 2025 initiative, aimed at combating plagiarism and cultural appropriation. This program also focuses on protecting the collective rights of artisan communities. A facility named Casa Original will be inaugurated at the Los Pinos Cultural Complex this June, marking the progress of this initiative.
On the international front, Sheinbaum reiterated Mexico’s commitment to its autonomy, especially concerning security and cooperation with the United States. She responded to comments made by Ronald Johnson, the proposed U.S. ambassador, on the potential unilateral military action against drug cartels within Mexico, asserting, "We do not agree, and this is not on the table. We collaborate within a framework of respect, but without subordination. Mexico deserves respect." This sentiment was echoed during the recent meeting between the Mexican Security Cabinet and U.S. Secretary of State, which emphasized collaborative principles based on mutual respect for sovereignty.
Sheinbaum described the Mexican economy as strong, promising measured responses to the tariff decisions slated for April 2, 2025. She assured the public of the government’s focus on vulnerable populations to uphold economic sustainability, reflected by the recent stability of the Mexican peso.
Addressing human rights, Sheinbaum expressed her disapproval of the repression faced by older adults during protests in Argentina, emphasizing her administration’s commitment to upholding human rights standards. She also expressed her willingness to engage diplomatically with the new Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, to secure mutually beneficial outcomes for the region.
Regarding bullfighting, Sheinbaum supported Clara Brugada’s proposal to protect the rights of those working within the sector, involving the establishment of bloodless bullfights. She commented, "I know there are different positions, all respectable, but I think this is a good solution."
Moving to local issues, Sheinbaum was asked to weigh in on the matters concerning Teuchitlán, Jalisco, where the investigation by the National Search Commission and other entities is underway. "Please wait for the outcomes; it is false to claim there are more missing persons than homicides these days," she clarified.
She also defended Lenia Batres, Minister of the Supreme Court of Justice, against personal attacks on social media, highlighting the importance of remaining focused on ideas rather than resorting to personal disparagement. "The public debate must be centered on ideas, not personal attacks on social media," she remarked.
The upcoming judicial renewal process, with elections scheduled for June 1, 2025, aims to address two primary objectives: eradicachieving corruption and nepotism within the judicial system and providing equitable access to justice for all citizens. Sheinbaum emphasized, "Let money not be what decides whether there is justice or not. We're determined to present the ballots for the Judicial Election on Monday, so the people of Mexico know what to expect. A new judiciary is necessary; the corruption and nepotism need to be dealt with firmly," she stated during the press conference.
This multi-faceted discussion during the morning conference reflects Sheinbaum’s commitment to enhancing artistic education, promoting human rights, and maintaining Mexico's sovereignty on the international stage. The president's comprehensive approach signifies an effort not only to respond to current challenges but also to set the tone for the upcoming electoral process.