Claudia Sheinbaum does not want the Mexican government to relate to criminals / Photo: El País
The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, denied this Monday any possibility of negotiation with organized crime, as proposed by the official deputy Manuel Espino, who asked to create a National Commission for National Pacification and Reconciliation to dialogue with drug trafficking to pacify the country.
“We are not going to negotiate with criminals, we are going to continue building peace by addressing the causes and with zero impunity,” Sheinbaum said during his morning press conference.
The Mexican leader presented her position on the initiative of the deputy of the ruling National Regeneration Movement (Morena), who at the beginning of this month proposed that the federal government have a direct dialogue with the drug trafficking cartels in Mexico.
Petition
The deputy asked that the Government of Mexico make deals with various cartels to achieve “social justice” and end violence in the country.
According to Espino, the dialogue would not imply a pact with drug traffickers, nor impunity or forgiveness for their crimes, but it would contribute to generating peace in the country through “social justice” and not the war between public security and the cartels. of the drug
This proposal was already presented to the Political Coordination Board (Jucopo) before the Chamber of Deputies, although in 2022, during the Government of former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador (2018-2024), Espino had already launched the initiative to agree with criminal groups to achieve peace, which did not prosper.
Statements
Sheinbaum’s statements occur in the midst of an upsurge in violence in states like Sinaloa, which is experiencing an internal drug trafficking struggle.
Last week in said entity there were 19 deaths in an operation in which Edwin Antonio, alias ‘El Max’, alleged leader of a criminal cell linked to the faction of Ismael ‘el Mayo’ Zambada, co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, was arrested. imprisoned since July 25 in the United States.
Mexico City / EFE
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**Interview with Claudia Sheinbaum: Stance on Organized Crime Negotiations**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, President Sheinbaum. Recently, Deputy Manuel Espino suggested creating a National Commission for National Pacification and Reconciliation to negotiate with organized crime. What’s your position on this proposal?
**Claudia Sheinbaum:** Thank you for having me. Let me be clear: we have no intention of negotiating with criminals. Engaging with organized crime only legitimizes their actions and undermines the rule of law. Instead, our focus is on building peace through addressing the root causes of violence and ensuring zero impunity for those who commit crimes.
**Interviewer:** Can you elaborate on what steps your administration is taking to address these root causes?
**Claudia Sheinbaum:** Absolutely. We are investing in social programs that aim to provide education, job opportunities, and mental health support. By tackling poverty and inequality, we believe we can reduce the incentives for individuals to engage in criminal activities. Our approach is holistic and collaborative, involving community leaders and local organizations.
**Interviewer:** Many are concerned about escalating violence. How do you plan to maintain peace without dialogue with criminal organizations?
**Claudia Sheinbaum:** Maintaining peace requires a firm stance against crime paired with proactive social measures. We are strengthening our law enforcement agencies, enhancing training, and improving coordination among them. While the situation is complex, we believe that a strong and principled approach will ultimately lead to a safer society.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, President Sheinbaum. It’s evident that your administration is committed to a strategy that does not compromise with crime.
**Claudia Sheinbaum:** Thank you. It is crucial for the integrity of our government and the safety of our people that we stay true to our values. Together, we can build a peaceful and just Mexico.
On what specific strategies your administration plans to implement to address the root causes of violence in Mexico?
**Claudia Sheinbaum:** Absolutely. Our approach involves a combination of social programs aimed at education, employment, and community development. We believe that by providing better opportunities, particularly for young people, we can reduce their vulnerability to recruitment by criminal organizations. Additionally, we are strengthening public safety measures and enhancing the capabilities of law enforcement to tackle crime effectively without resorting to negotiations with criminals.
**Interviewer:** As violence continues to escalate in regions like Sinaloa, how do you respond to concerns that your government’s stance might exacerbate the situation?
**Claudia Sheinbaum:** It’s important to understand that while violence is a serious issue, negotiating with criminals is not the answer. In fact, it could lead to more violence in the long term by granting them a sense of legitimacy. We are committed to an approach that focuses on community engagement and the prevention of crime rather than a temporary fix through dialogue with criminal organizations. We want to build trust within the communities affected by violence and ensure that justice is served without exceptions.
**Interviewer:** Deputy Espino argues that dialogue might not imply a pact or forgiveness for their crimes but could instead contribute to generating peace. What do you say to that?
**Claudia Sheinbaum:** I believe that there is a fundamental misunderstanding about the nature of crime and justice. Any form of negotiation with criminals sends a message that their actions can be legitimized and tolerated. True peace can only be achieved through a commitment to justice and accountability. We must show that crime does not pay and reinforce the values of our legal system.
**Interviewer:** what message do you want to convey to the citizens of Mexico who are deeply affected by violence and insecurity?
**Claudia Sheinbaum:** I want to assure them that our government is fully dedicated to restoring peace and security across the nation. We recognize their fears and frustrations, and we are working tirelessly to implement policies that promote safety, social justice, and an end to violence. Together, with the support of the community, we will address these challenges head-on and build a safer future for all Mexicans.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your time, President Sheinbaum.
**Claudia Sheinbaum:** Thank you for having me.