March 18 marks a significant day for Mexico as it commemorates the 87th anniversary of the oil expropriation, an event notable for its historical and contemporary impact on the country's energy industry. It was on this day, back in 1938, when President Lázaro Cárdenas del Río made the bold decision to nationalize the oil industry, transforming the power dynamics between the state and foreign companies.
The early 20th century saw foreign entities, particularly from the United States and the United Kingdom, controlling Mexican oil resources, which led to exploitation and negligible benefits for local workers and the government. Faced with deteriorated working conditions and outright disregard for their rights, oil workers demanded fair treatment, prompting legal battles culminating at the Supreme Court of Justice. Despite favorable rulings for workers, companies remained defiant.
This escalation pushed President Cárdenas to act decisively; on March 18, he nationalized the oil industry and established Petróleos Mexicanos (PEMEX), marking a new era of Mexican sovereignty over its resources. This bold move not only sparked national pride but also became the bedrock of Mexico’s economic strategy for decades, financing educational infrastructures and social programs.
Fast forward to March 15, 2025; the oil union of section 16 of the STPRM from Villa Cuichapa celebrated this historic event with festivities, including a dinner-dance and the crowning of Dulce María Torres Velázquez as the Queen of Petroleum. This event symbolized not just remembrance but also the unity and spirit of the labor force. Union officials, led by Jesús Alberto Castellanos and Omar Ricardez Chong, honored Dulce María and her fellow contestants with economic incentives, enhancing the celebration's impact.
Political leaders also engaged with these commemorations. Dolores Padierna, the Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Deputies, signaled the importance of this anniversary by discussing new energy reforms aimed at injecting vitality back to PEMEX and CFE, Mexico's state-owned electric utility. "This is the best tribute we can pay to General Lázaro Cárdenas," she stated, underscoring the necessity of returning to sound management practices within these institutions.
These reforms come as part of broader efforts to reclaim the energy sector from past privatization policies deemed unfavorable. Padierna criticized previous administrations, noting how neoliberal policies hampered PEMEX's ability to thrive by subjecting it to competition with private oil firms. The latest legislation seeks to shift the focus back on state control—prioritizing PEMEX's role, improving finances by lessening tax burdens, and investing more heavily to stabilize oil production.
The political climate surrounding the anniversary continues to evoke strong sentiments among citizens and experts alike. Given historical grievances about energy exploitation, these recent trends signify not merely policy adjustments but also a cultural reclaiming of identity centered around state sovereignty. The discourse surrounding energy shifts remains pivotal, especially under the administration of Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who emphasizes state control over resources.
Look back at the anniversary events observed this year and one can sense the spirit of this resilience and adaptation. The union's festivities and Padierna’s clarion call resonate with collective memories of past struggles, reminding Mexicans of the importance of vigilance over their resources.
For many, March 18 serves not only as a date but as a reminder of their capability to guide their own destiny against external pressures. The ardent support for PEMEX reflects the public demand for sovereignty and equitable resources, aligning with the broader national narrative established on the day of expropriation.
With the culmination of the commemoration activities expected on March 18, 2025, including formal civic acts, Mexicans will reflect on the enduring legacy of the oil expropriation, where bravery and tenacity reshaped the national identity. Each initiative, celebration, and policy reform nudges the country closer to realizing its economic independence goals.
