**Governors and Over a Thousand Opposition Mayors Rally Behind President Sheinbaum at National Municipal Meeting**
On January 16, 2024, President Claudia Sheinbaum met with 31 state governors and the head of Mexico City’s government, alongside 1,859 mayors—representing 75% of the total 2,478 municipalities—in the capital for the First National Municipalist Meeting. The gathering focused on fostering initiatives for state development through collaboration across various levels of government.
The leaders signed the Agreement for the Creation of the Indigenous Component of the Social Infrastructure Contribution Fund. This initiative aims to bolster development and support territorial justice for indigenous communities. President Sheinbaum highlighted the importance of unity among leaders to serve the Mexican people with integrity.
Governor of Querétaro, Mauricio Kuri González, emphasized the need for national unity, while Nuevo León Governor Samuel García Sepúlveda called for a united effort to ensure a successful presidential term. Governor Esteban Villegas Villarreal of Durango expressed support for national sovereignty projects, including security and health collaborations with the federal administration.
President Sheinbaum urged mayors to allocate resources towards “paths of peace” and implement the National Water Plan, encouraging collective work on security and local policing. She detailed federal strategies such as fortifying the National Guard and devolving infrastructure funds directly to indigenous communities, enabling them to decide their use through assemblies.
Clara Marina Brugada Molina, head of Mexico City’s government, outlined the “Paths of Peace” program, a successful initiative she launched in Iztapalapa, aiming to enhance safety nationwide. The meeting underscored collective efforts to uplift Mexico through shared governance and resource management.
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**Secondary Article: Sheinbaum Responds to U.S. Politician’s Comments on Mexican Cartels**
During recent discussions, President Claudia Sheinbaum responded to remarks made by U.S. Senator Marco Rubio on labeling Mexican cartels as terrorists. The President highlighted the complexity of such declarations, urging focus on tangible solutions and cooperation between Mexico and the United States. Emphasizing a balanced approach, President Sheinbaum aims to strengthen bilateral ties while ensuring national security through comprehensive strategies and collaborative efforts with international partners.
The President also announced plans to request clarification from former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the arrest of ‘El Mayo’, a notable incident in cross-border crime dynamics. These initiatives reflect her administration’s commitment to addressing security challenges while maintaining diplomatic communications.