President Claudia Sheinbaum held her morning briefing on February 12, 2025, centering on the future of PEMEX and addressing national policies. During the conference, Sheinbaum highlighted the significant lack of success attributed to the 2013 energy reform, stating it was "an absolute failure, and not only delivered the natural resources and public companies; they also failed to fulfill their promises." This strong assertion came as she confronted the fallout from previous government policies impacting Mexico's oil and gas sector.
The session was attended by key figures, including Luz Elena González, the Secretary of Energy, and PEMEX director Víctor Rodríguez Padilla, who shed light on the strategic plans for PEMEX from 2025 to 2030. González introduced six key areas to reform and revamp the company, stating, "The plan consists of six axes: 1. Efficient exploration. 2. Sustainable production of hydrocarbons and natural gas. 3. Strengthened refining systems. 4. Increased production of petrochemicals and fertilizers. 5. Secure and efficient logistics. 6. Clean energy generation." This outlines the administration's commitment to not only sustain PEMEX but to enforce its role as pivotal for Mexico's energy sovereignty.
Sheinbaum emphasized her administration's goal to reduce debts and to stabilize fuel prices, arguing, "We do not want there to be abuses by gasoline suppliers, and the aim is to negotiate prices at no more than 24 pesos throughout the country." She also addressed the controversies surrounding the prices of gas, referencing heavy claims of hypocrisy from opposition parties advocating for price reductions after previously overseeing increases—known as "gasolinazos"—during their governance.
“There is much hypocrisy; it is demagogic and hypocritical for them to say they want to lower gasoline prices when they initiated the hikes,” Sheinbaum asserted, linking the opposition’s recent proposals to their past actions during former administrations.
During the briefing, Sheinbaum also revealed her plan to meet with the families affected by the Ayotzinapa case by the end of the month, reflecting her administration's focus on social issues intertwined with energy reforms. These topics indicate her intent to address public concerns comprehensively, both through legislative actions and direct engagement with affected communities.
Alongside PEMEX, security strategies were also covered. Sheinbaum expressed her satisfaction with the progress made by her security cabinet, noting significant reductions in homicide rates, highlighting these developments as paving the way for safer communities.
To conclude, President Sheinbaum reiterated her commitment to prevent foreign interference and maintain national sovereignty, particularly concerning the appointment of Terrence Cole as the DEA administrator. She asserted, "We will not allow interference or violations of sovereignty; we agree to collaborate with U.S. agencies, including the White House and the State Department, but strictly within the bounds of respect for our national sovereignty."
Sheinbaum’s morning briefing covered several ground-critical issues facing Mexico, reflecting her administration's determination to rectify previous policy failures, and ensuring the national agenda remains focused on sustainable development, social accountability, and energy independence.