Mexico - October 2026

The first article in this October edition of the Latin American Regional Report: Mexico concerns a wave of explosive attacks against police and military targets, which has pushed the growing use of bombs and landmines by organised crime groups in Mexico onto the political agenda. The clearest sign came in the north-central state of Zacatecas, where a suspected car bomb tore through the town of Ojocaliente on 30 August, injuring at least 11 people and damaging dozens of homes and vehicles.

Next, we examine the second state-of-the-nation report, or Informe, delivered by President Claudia Sheinbaum. The report summarised progress made in key areas including the economy, security, infrastructure, and social programmes. While Sheinbaum referred to the “difficulties” that her government has had with the US administration of President Donald Trump, the Informe largely failed to mention other challenges facing her government, particularly regarding human rights concerns, as this piece explains.

We then focus on the safety of those studying at Mexican universities, and of female students in particular, which has been thrown into question following the murder of at least five students – including four from the same university – in the space of seven months. The murder of Claudia Tacoronte, a Spanish exchange student, in the state of Morelos has drawn international attention to the problem, placing extra pressure on the government to address the issue and ensure the safety of female university students.

After, we look at the government’s 2027 budget proposal. Despite plans to continue cutting the fiscal deficit next year, the pace of the reduction is proving slower than the government had initially promised, as it struggles to shrink the massive overhang it inherited from the previous administration.

A recent data breach at Mexico’s flag carrier, Aeroméxico, is the focus of the next piece. The breach exposed information that includes names, dates of birth, email addresses, and phone numbers. However, the airline has assured that no financial data has been leaked, such as bank account numbers or credit card details.

The final article in this edition analyses the digital economy bill that President Sheinbaum has submitted to congress as part of efforts to drive the adoption of digital payments, in a bid to boost tax collection and labour formalisation. This piece weighs up the chances of the bill succeeding in ending Mexico’s long love affair with cash.