Legislators in Mexico City, home to the world’s largest bullring, voted Tuesday to ban bullfights where the animals are killed or wounded, as opponents and supporters staged rival protests.
The initiative, which was promoted by the capital city’s mayor Clara Brugada, aims to move toward “violence-free” bullfighting events.
Mexico City cannot allow “cruelty as a spectacle, much less the long pain and death of an animal for entertainment,” Brugada said last week.
The vote also bans using sharp objects such as swords, but matadors can use capes and muletas — sticks with red cloth hanging from them.
The ban, which also limits bullfights to 15 minutes for each animal, was approved by 61 votes in favor and one against, the capital’s legislature announced.
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum last week threw her support behind the initiative, calling it a “good solution” to maintain jobs in the bullfighting industry while respecting a constitutional reform prohibiting animal abuse.
Bullfighting promoters, however, opposed the ban, saying it threatens a deeply rooted cultural tradition.
Scuffles involving rival demonstrators broke out near the legislature before riot police intervened.
Mexico City is a bastion of bullfighting, and at its heart sits the Plaza de Toros, which has the capacity for more than 40,000 people.
But the capital is also considered a progressive stronghold, and there have been years of legal battles between bullfighting supporters and animal rights activists, who welcomed the ban on wounding the animals.
Anton Aguilar, executive director of Humane World for Animals Mexico, called it “an important step toward eradicating the torment and killing of animals for entertainment.”
At the same time, “it’s important also to acknowledge that a bull event without violence does not mean one without suffering, as bulls will still be subjected to significant and completely unnecessary stress,” he added.
Several of Mexico’s 32 states have banned bullfighting, which was brought by the Spanish conquistadors centuries ago.
Bullfighters point to the economic value of the industry, which generated 80,000 jobs and around $50 million in revenue in 2023, according to figures from the Mexico City legislature.
Among other countries, Ecuador, Spain, France, Mexico, Peru, Portugal and Venezuela still hold bullfighting events.
Colombia last year approved a ban on bullfights starting in 2027, while the killing of animals has been banned in the Ecuadoran capital Quito.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – In an effort to combat childhood obesity and encourage healthier habits, the Mexican government has announced a nationwide ban on junk food sales in schools. Starting March 29, 2025, elementary, secondary, and higher education institutions will be prohibited from selling unhealthy snacks and sugary drinks on their premises.
The initiative is part of the “Healthy Living” guidelines introduced by Mario Delgado, head of the Ministry of Education, in October of last year. This strategy aligns with President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration’s commitment to improving student health through better nutrition and increased physical activity.
Article 15 of the General Education Law underscores the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles to prevent and address obesity. To enforce the ban, schools failing to comply will face fines ranging from 10,900 pesos to 109,000 pesos, with repeat offenders facing double penalties.
A comprehensive manual outlines the list of prohibited food items, including:
- Fried peanuts with added salt
- Flour fritters
- Donuts, cakes, and flans
- Hamburgers, hot dogs, and pizzas
- Boxed juices, nectars, and soft drinks
- French fries, pork rinds, and jerky
- Fruits in syrup and whole cream products
- Sweets, candies, and flavored milks
- Nachos with cheese and industrialized snacks
Statistics from the Ministry of Education reveal a pressing need for intervention, with 6 million children aged 5 to 11 classified as overweight or obese, rising to 10.4 million among 12 to 19-year-olds. Additionally, 98% of schools currently sell junk food, while 95% offer sugary drinks, and 79% provide soft drinks.
To ensure local adherence, the Jalisco Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (Coprisjal) will begin inspections in Puerto Vallarta and surrounding areas following the regulation’s official implementation. Jaime Álvarez Zayas, head of the Eighth Health Region of the Jalisco Ministry of Health, emphasized the need to prevent students from consuming foods high in fats and carbohydrates.
President Sheinbaum has also mandated the installation of drinking fountains and the provision of healthier snack alternatives in schools. Meanwhile, parents are encouraged to support the initiative by ensuring their children’s packed lunches align with the new guidelines.
This nationwide effort reflects a serious commitment to tackling childhood obesity and fostering a culture of health and wellness among Mexico’s students.
U.S. rejects Mexico’s request for special delivery of water for the 1st time
The U.S. Department of State said that the United States has denied a non-treaty request by Mexico for a special delivery channel for Colorado River water to be delivered to Tijuana.
“Mexico’s continued shortfalls in its water deliveries under the 1944 water-sharing treaty are decimating American agriculture — particularly farmers in the Rio Grande valley,” the department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs said in a post on X on Thursday.
The treaty sets five-year cycles for these water deliveries, with the latest scheduled to end in October 2025, but Mexico has fallen behind due to drought conditions.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said the issue is important and that it is being addressed.
“It is being addressed by (national water agency) Conagua and CILA (International Boundary and Water Commission), which is in charge of reviewing this treaty,” Sheinbaum commented on Thursday.
“There’s been less water. That’s part of the problem,” she told reporters.
On Wednesday, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz said that he hosted farmers and ranchers from across the Rio Grand Valley, adding that their “situation is dire.”
“Mexico is refusing to comply with its obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty to provide water from the Rio Grande to the US, even while we go above and beyond our own obligations to give Mexico water. The effects on Texas have been catastrophic,” Cruz wrote on X.
“Last Congress, I introduced and advanced the first-ever legislation to impose sanctions on Mexico and withhold aid over noncompliance,” Cruz continued. “I will soon do so again this Congress, but I am also working with the Trump administration to impose consequences on Mexico right now.”
“Every option is on the table, not just withholding aid but also water we have been giving Mexico, which can be done without breaching our own obligations under the treaty,” he concluded.
Earlier this month, the Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Committee voted in favour of the U.S. State Department ensuring Mexico meets its obligations to deliver the water to the U.S.The committee heard testimony from Rio Grande Valley officials on how Mexico’s failure to deliver water has impacted local farmers and stalled growth.
“It’s really causing a lot of severe issues not only for the valley but along the river from El Paso down to Brownsville,” Texas Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa said at the hearing.
“The reality is that even commercially, the growth of the valley is being stunned because we cannot issue any more builder’s permits because there’s no water,” Hinojosa said. “Hopefully, the present Trump administration will be a lot more aggressive in trying to address the issue.”
State Sen. Charles Perry had previously said that “it would be nice” if the Trump administration could include the water treaty in their tariff negotiations.
“It would be nice to include water release under the 1944 treaty in those tariff negotiations so that we could get some relief in the valley,” Perry said.
Beijing is concerned proximity to America could lead to sharing of smart car technology developed by Tesla’s main rival
China delays approval of BYD’s Mexico plant amid fears tech could leak to US
Beijing is delaying approval for carmaker BYD to build a plant in Mexico amid concerns that the smart car technology developed by China’s biggest electric-vehicle maker could leak across the border to the US. BYD first announced plans for a car plant in Mexico in 2023, along with intentions to make cars in Brazil, Hungary and Indonesia. It said the Mexican plant would create 10,000 jobs and produce 150,000 vehicles a year.
But domestic automakers require approval from China’s commerce ministry to manufacture overseas and it has yet to give approval, according to two people familiar with the matter. Authorities feared Mexico would gain unrestricted access to BYD’s advanced technology and knowhow, they said, even possibly allowing US access to it.
“The commerce ministry’s biggest concern is Mexico’s proximity to the US,” said one of the people. Beijing is also giving preference to projects in countries that are part of China’s Belt and Road infrastructure development programme, according to the people. Shifting geopolitical dynamics have also contributed to Mexico cooling on the plant.
Mexico has sought to maintain relations with US President Donald Trump, who has put tariffs on cross-border trade, threatening exports and jobs. Trump has also launched a trade war with Beijing, imposing tariffs on imports from China. Beijing retaliated by slapping tariffs on roughly $22bn in US goods, aimed mainly at America’s farming sector.
Trump’s team has accused Mexico of being a “back door” for Chinese goods to enter the US duty-free through the North American Free Trade Agreement. The Mexican government denies this but has responded to US pressure by placing tariffs on Chinese textiles and launching anti-dumping investigations into steel and aluminium products originating from China.
“Mexico’s new government has taken a hostile attitude towards Chinese companies, making the situation even more challenging for BYD,” said the second person. In November, shortly after Trump’s re-election, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum said there was still no “firm” investment proposal from any Chinese company to set up in Mexico, despite BYD having reaffirmed its intent to invest $1bn earlier that month.
“The Mexican government obviously would like to get some of the investments [from China], but [its] trading relationship with the US is a lot more important,” said Gregor Sebastian, a senior analyst at US-based consultancy Rhodium Group. It doesn’t “make business sense” for BYD to hasten the construction of a production facility in Mexico at the moment, Sebastian added, pointing out that the lack of a robust automotive supply chain would force BYD to import numerous components from China, subjecting them to higher tariffs.
When asked whether US tariffs and Mexico’s tougher stance on China had stalled the company’s plans, Stella Li, executive vice-president at BYD, said that it had “not decided [on] the Mexico facility yet”. “Every day is different news, so we just have to do our job,” said Li in a recent interview with the Financial Times. “More study has to be done on how we can satisfy and improve to deliver the best result to everybody.”
In February last year, Li had said it would select a location for the factory by the end of 2024. BYD reported sales of more than 40,000 vehicles in Mexico last year. It has said it wants to double sales volume and open 30 new dealerships in the country in 2025. Recommended BYD Co Ltd BYD pledges to work with rival Tesla to combat petrol cars Mexico’s economy ministry said it had no further comment beyond Sheinbaum’s previous remarks.
BYD and China’s commerce ministry did not respond to a request for comment. BYD sold 4.3mn EVs and hybrids globally in 2024 and unveiled its “God’s Eye” advanced driving system in February, with plans to install it on its entire model line-up.
Earlier this month, Tesla’s main rival raised $5.6bn in a Hong Kong share sale, with the proceeds expected to help fuel its overseas expansion. But it has suffered a setback with its $1bn development in Brazil, which was delayed in December when the authorities halted construction over workers being subject to “slavery”-like conditions. BYD subsequently fired a Chinese subcontractor.
How Mexico’s President Found A Formula For Dealing With Trump
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has won praise for her handling of delicate diplomatic relations with Donald Trump (Alfredo ESTRELLA)
When environmental scientist and dedicated leftist Claudia Sheinbaum took office last year, few imagined that the Mexican president’s method of dealing with her polar opposite Donald Trump would become the envy of other leaders.
But despite having little previous international experience, Mexico’s first woman president has won plaudits for her handling of delicate diplomatic relations with her mercurial US counterpart.
The 62-year-old former student activist and ex-Mexico City mayor is trying to juggle defending her country’s sovereignty with meeting Trump’s demands to tackle illegal migration and drug smuggling.
So far, the strategy appears to be working — the US president has twice granted Mexico tariff relief and described Sheinbaum as a “wonderful woman,” prompting the Washington Post to call her “the world’s leading Trump whisperer.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is among those who have praised Sheinbaum’s calm approach negotiating with her US counterpart.
What is Sheinbaum’s formula for handling Trump?
After Trump vowed to deport millions of migrants and declared a national emergency at the southern US border, Sheinbaum responded by saying that it was “important to always keep a cool head.”
Avoiding a big reaction to Trump’s rhetoric is part of her strategy, said Pamela Starr, an expert on US-Mexican relations at the University of Southern California.
The approach has set Sheinbaum apart from other leaders including Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro, a fellow leftist who refused entry to military planes carrying Colombian deportees, prompting a diplomatic row with the White House.
And in contrast to Canada, rather than immediately retaliating when Trump introduced tariffs, Sheinbaum scheduled a rally days later to announce details of a countermeasure, giving herself time to persuade him to delay duties.
“She removed testosterone from the equation,” said Pedro Miguel, a journalist close to the ruling party.
Sheinbaum has been emboldened by an approval rating of more than 80 percent.
Asked at a news conference last month if she feared Trump, Sheinbaum said: “I have a people who support me. When you have certainty and conviction and know what your principles are, why should you be afraid?”
Sheinbaum talked a lot about Trump with her predecessor Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to understand him, said Miguel, who is close to the former Mexican president.
Lopez Obrador had to work with Trump during his first term in office and considered him his “friend.” He even defended the Republican when Trump’s Twitter and Facebook accounts were suspended in 2021.
Sheinbaum has taken a “preemptive” approach to dealing with Trump, Starr said.
“She’s trying to demonstrate that Mexico is continuing to cooperate on migration, it’s increasing cooperation and security, and that it’s a willing partner in redirecting supply chains away from China and toward North America,” she said.
As well as pledging to reinforce border security, Mexico has announced a series of major fentanyl seizures which Sheinbaum told Trump had led to a sharp drop in cross-border fentanyl transfer.
She has also presented a plan to replace imports from China with domestically produced goods, seeking to ease Washington’s concerns that Chinese companies want to use Mexico as a backdoor into the United States.
During her election campaign, Sheinbaum said Mexicans should “never bow our heads” — a promise that she is trying to keep despite her country’s heavy economic reliance on the United States.
Even Trump has acknowledged Sheinbaum’s mettle, telling her “you’re tough” in a phone call, the New York Times reported, quoting people with knowledge of the exchange.
Sheinbaum angrily rejected accusations by the White House that her government has an alliance with drug cartels, and has repeatedly said she would oppose US military strikes on Mexican criminal groups.
In return for anti-drug efforts, she has urged the United States to do more to stop firearms trafficking into Mexico.
“She has been firm and strong… so far, she has been successful,” said Roberta Lajous, a former Mexican ambassador who served several foreign postings.
But Starr said that it was too soon to declare victory, with tariff relief on most Mexican goods due to expire in early April.
“Mexico dodged a bullet, but Trump still has a loaded gun in his hand pointed at Mexico,” she said.
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Mexico City – A new legislative initiative in Mexico proposes raising the minimum legal drinking age from 18 to 21. The Green Ecologist Party of Mexico (PVEM) is championing this change, citing strong evidence linking early alcohol use to negative impacts on the developing brain and increased addiction risk. Deputy Mayra Espino Suárez is leading the charge, emphasizing the potential for improved public health.
The PVEM highlights the significant health burden associated with alcohol consumption, estimating its connection to over 200 diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and heart problems. National survey data from 2016-2017 indicates that a large portion of the Mexican population consumes alcohol regularly. Of particular concern is the 18 to 29 age group, which exhibits the highest consumption rates.
Deputy Espino Suárez points out that alcohol’s effects extend beyond immediate intoxication and impaired judgment. It contributes to approximately 40,000 deaths annually in Mexico, often through traffic accidents, violence, and chronic illnesses. A Ministry of Health study further reveals that individuals who begin drinking before 15 face a greater risk of dependence and substance abuse later in life.
The rationale behind the proposed change centers on the ongoing development of the human brain, which continues to mature until around age 25. Early alcohol exposure can disrupt crucial functions like memory, focus, and decision-making. Deputy Espino Suárez notes the success of similar policies in other countries, such as the United States, which has maintained a 21-year-old drinking age since 1984, leading to reductions in alcohol-related accidents and health issues.
Beyond raising the legal age, the PVEM proposal includes stricter penalties for providing alcohol to underage individuals. Those who encourage or assist alcohol consumption by minors could face imprisonment from 6 to 12 years, and fines ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 days of minimum wage.
With this initiative, the PVEM hopes to protect young people’s health and reduce the social impact of alcohol-related harm. The proposal has sparked discussion among lawmakers and the public, setting the stage for a crucial debate on alcohol regulation in Mexico.
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