As with any destination, it is essential to consider the political climate when planning a trip to Mexico City. Here are a few key issues to be aware of:

Mexico City is the seat of the federal government, making it a place where local and national politics are discussed like nowhere else in Mexico and where its residents are known for their involvement in socio-political movements. In recent years, there have been a variety of movements gaining national attention, including the feminist movement as well as AMLO’s populist movement.

The 2024 election led to a significant shift in the Mexican political climate with the election of the first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum. Sheinbaum is a left-wing candidate from the National Regeneration Movement party (Morena), and has a previous background in environmental engineering before politics.

Since Sheinbaum’s inauguration, there have been several initiatives and international relationships that have characterized her early presidency. Soon after her inauguration to office, she proposed several legal reforms to improve gender equality in the country, with a focus on reducing gender-based violence through policy. Additionally, her candidacy platform emphasized numerous environmental promises, including a goal to increase the country’s use of renewable energy in vehicles and public transit. She has also undertaken reforms to address the disappearance crisis in the country and combat drug cartels.

There is a significant political divide right now between Morena and the “coalición PAN-PRI-PRD,” so it is essential to be aware of this when talking about politics.

Current US-Mexico relations and the imposition of economic trade tariffs may also influence the recent political climate. The unknowns and volatility of the future of these tariffs may have an impact on Mexico’s economy, people’s confidence, and growth.

Issues like femicide, corruption, education, the economy, crime, the disappearance crisis, and the drug war are all important topics of conversation within the political climate and recent elections. For instance, the past administration with Lopez Obrador has been criticized for failing to combat violence against women and the country’s high rate of femicide, which has risen astronomically since 2018.

Safety tips:

Mexico City is full of energy, culture, and exciting places to discover. To make the most of your visit, just remember a few simple safety tips.

Tap Water: Do not drink tap water in Mexico City. Always use bottled or filtered water for drinking and brushing your teeth. Most hotels, restaurants, and cafes provide purified water.
Transportation: Use authorized taxi services, app-based rides (like Uber, Didi, or Cabify), or official airport taxis. Avoid hailing cabs directly from the street at night.
Pickpocketing: In busy areas like the Zócalo, public transport, and markets, keep your belongings close. A crossbody bag that zips shut is recommended.
Neighborhood Awareness: Stick to well-known and central neighborhoods such as Polanco, Roma, Condesa, and Coyoacán, especially at night. Avoid poorly lit or unfamiliar areas after dark.
Street Smarts: Don’t display expensive jewelry, watches, or electronics openly. Keep cash and cards split between different places on your person or in your accommodations.
Public Transit: The metro is inexpensive and efficient, but very crowded during rush hour. Keep an eye on your belongings and be cautious in packed spaces.
Health Precautions: Street food is delicious but choose stalls that are busy with locals (a good sign of freshness). It’s also advisable to avoid eating fresh salad unless you’re dining in an upscale hotel or restaurant because fresh produce needs to be thoroughly washed before being consumed and places such as taquerias, food stands and bars may not do this.
Wash your hands or use sanitizer before eating.