Showdown Recap: Mexico's 2024 Presidential Debate
- Paty Sesma
- Apr 29, 2024
- 4 min read
Let's explore the proposals discussed by Mexico's presidential candidates in the 2024 debate, covering topics from social programs to green energy initiatives.

So, last night's was something else! Mexico's top presidential contenders brought the heat on Sunday during Mexico's 2024 Presidential Debate, diving deep into key issues like social programs and green energy plans. There was name-calling, finger-pointing, and even some rude signs thrown into the mix. Beyond just policy proposals, this debate gave us a real glimpse into the character of each candidate running for the Mexican presidency. Now, let's take a closer look at where each of them stands.

Claudia Sheinbaum, a climate scientist and former mayor of Mexico City, showcased her accomplishments in the capital, such as implementing solar panels and electric buses. She also defended López Obrador's oil refinery project, arguing that it would decrease our reliance on gas imports. Throughout the debate, Sheinbaum solidified her position as the front-runner for the Morena party, steadfastly supporting President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's agenda while advocating for a more environmentally sustainable future.
She proudly pointed to the achievements of the current administration—such as economic growth exceeding 3% and a doubling of the minimum wage. She expressed strong support for her party and President López Obrador's policies, crediting them with reducing poverty and inequality. She aims to establish 100 new industrial zones and ensure that the minimum wage covers essential needs more effectively.
In response to Gálvez's allegations about government ties to drug trafficking, Sheinbaum refuted the claims and shifted focus to former President Felipe Calderón. She criticized neoliberalism for hindering economic progress and vowed to promote a fairer economic model that addresses wage disparities.
Sheinbaum concluded by acknowledging the support of Mexicans abroad for the Fourth Transformation, pledging to continue driving positive change after the June 2nd elections.

Xóchitl Gálvez, representing the "Fuerza y Corazón por México" coalition (PAN, PRI, PRD), heavily criticized Morena during her time, for alleged ties to organized crime and Claudia Sheinbaum from "Seguimos Haciendo Historia," accusing her of mismanagement during the pandemic.
Gálvez argued that the current administration led to the closure of millions of small businesses and proposed tax exemptions for those earning less than 15,000 pesos, promising a government focused on direct support and improvements in health and education.
Additionally, she announced plans to enhance infrastructure and water management, alongside initiatives to generate clean energy through solar panel installations. Addressing criticisms about her remarks on labor ethics in Chiapas, Gálvez clarified her position, advocating for reducing working hours with support for employers and pledging to combat extortion of producers, particularly in the agricultural sector.
Gálvez highlighted the need for a Trinational Agency to address environmental challenges like droughts and fires, while urging voters to reject authoritarianism and vote for values of life, courage, and freedom.

Let's break down Jorge Álvarez Máynez's proposals in a nutshell! This candidate, running with the Movimiento Ciudadano (MC) party, is all about pushing for prosperity, dignified jobs, and promoting nearshoring. He's big on healthcare and education reforms, plus he's calling for some serious fiscal changes to shake things up in Mexico.
One of his standout proposals is boosting the minimum wage to 10,000 pesos and cutting the workweek to include two mandatory rest days. Jorge also emphasizes supporting small business owners to implement these changes for sustainable growth. On the electoral front, he's betting on Salomón Chertorivski for Mexico City's race and is laser-focused on strengthening the Social Security System to improve pensions and housing access.
Plus, Jorge is all about green initiatives—transitioning to renewable energy and managing natural resources sustainably. He's also pushing for inclusive education, promoting Mexican sign language and teaching in indigenous languages to preserve our cultural heritage. In his closing statement at the debate, Jorge shared his son Luciano's hopes, putting a human touch on his proposals by stressing the importance of a healthy environment, quality education, and a society free of inequalities.
Water, pensions, and renewable energy are just a few of the key issues Máynez is tackling with comprehensive solutions for Mexico's equitable and sustainable development.
Was there any drama?
Oh, yes, and it was real. Gálvez went full aggressive, calling out Sheinbaum left and right and waving signs that labeled her a liar. It got so distasteful that she was asked to stop showing signs when it wasn't her time.
However, Sheinbaum didn't hold back either, dubbing Gálvez as "the corrupt one" and choosing not to dedicate much of her debate time to revisiting old topics or addressing what she perceived as lies.
An Important Factor to Consider
This debate revealed each candidate's manners, principles, and values—or lack thereof. This is what Mexicans around the world should remember when making their voting decision because the way they treat others reflects how they will treat the people they are working for. This is an crucial factor to take into account. Check out this TikTok video as an example:
Who won the debate?
According to a survey conducted by Demoscopia Digital this past Sunday, April 28th, 70.1% of the surveyed Mexicans believe that Claudia Sheinbaum was the winner of the debate. On the other hand, Gálvez Ruíz trails far behind, with only 15.8% of the electorate claiming she won the first debate. In this measurement, Álvarez Máynez is just 1.7 percentage points below the PAN-PRI-PRD candidate, with 14.1 percentage points.

With the election coming up quick on June 2nd, this debate really laid out the choices. It's more than just politics—it's about where Mexico's continued growth and expansion.
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