Es tiempo de unidad y defensa de nuestra soberanía. Conferencia presidenta Sheinbaum

Morning press conference from the National Palace. Tuesday, March 4, 2025 | President Claudia Sheinbaum. 00:00:00 Broadcast begins 00:09:14 Press conference begins 00:09:30 Statement on U.S. tariffs 00:19:58 Health report 00:35:45 Question and answer session We announce that Mexico will respond to the United States with tariff and non-tariff measures to the unilateral imposition of tariffs. I read a statement clarifying that our government will always seek a negotiated solution. However, this is a time for unity and defense of our sovereignty. I call upon the people of Mexico to face this challenge together and maintain unity; our growth is based on the domestic market and the Mexico Plan to strengthen investment and domestic production. We have a strong economy. I invite all Mexicans to the Zócalo this Sunday, March 9th, at noon to learn more about this. It is time to defend Mexico and its sovereignty. We are proudly a free, independent, and sovereign country. The United States' unilateral decision affects national and foreign companies operating in Mexico, increases the price of Mexican products in the neighboring country, and impacts job creation in both nations. Our goal is not to initiate an economic confrontation; that is the opposite of what we should be doing: integrating our economies to strengthen the region in the face of trade expansion in other areas. No one wins with this decision. We condemn and categorically deny the White House statement issued on the evening of Monday, March 3rd, as it is offensive, defamatory, and baseless against the Government of Mexico. The unilateral imposition of tariffs occurred despite the trade agreement signed by US President Donald Trump himself, and despite Mexico's decisive actions on security, as well as the formalization of agreements in the last month. There is no justification for imposing tariffs. We have achieved several positive results in security: For example, fentanyl seizures by the US government at the border have decreased by 50 percent. Furthermore, the 15 percent reduction in intentional homicides in our country is a result of the seizure of more than 6,000 firearms, 75 percent of which originated in the United States. In addition, more than 100 tons of drugs have been seized, more than 13,000 people have been arrested for serious crimes, and 29 individuals have been transferred to prison for serious offenses. The United States must address the fentanyl consumption crisis and take action against the criminal groups that traffic and distribute it, as well as those who smuggle precursors into its territory. We must not forget that 80 percent of those arrested for fentanyl trafficking at the borders of that country are U.S. citizens, as are 81.9 percent of those prosecuted for drug trafficking. If the tariffs are implemented, we will conduct an evaluation of the geographic diversification of the Mexican economy. Since the trade agreement would be violated, we could promote investment from other companies, including for the domestic market. We can receive imports from other countries that, in turn, will be interested in our products. If they wish, our migrant brothers and sisters can send letters to the U.S. government and members of Congress to discuss the impact of the tariffs. We are reviewing consulates; if necessary, we will replace some officials. We do not tolerate corruption; we are a government close to the people. A new program has been launched to support families of children with cancer during their treatment at public institutions. This program will benefit at least 3,000 children without social security who receive care through the IMSS-Bienestar program and the National Institutes of Health. They will receive a bimonthly stipend of 6,400 pesos directly to their Banco del Bienestar (Bank of Well-being) debit card. This funding is shared equally between the federal government and private sector donations. Registration and card distribution begin in March; the disbursement of funds starts in April. The program includes medical follow-up. This month, the first 260 million medications begin arriving at public health institutions. This also guarantees the availability of all medications needed to treat childhood cancer. The hiring of specialists at IMSS is progressing. More than 10,000 doctors are participating in the recruitment process, which concludes on March 13. In April, the formation of more than 8,000 committees will begin. These committees will receive direct funding from the "La Clínica es Nuestra" (Our Clinic) program to improve medical units. The recent addition of ISSSTE clinics is in addition to the 136 Health Centers with Expanded Services that exist in the country.