At a brief photo opportunity with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in Washington D.C. last week, Mexican Foreign Secretary Claudia Ruiz Massieu hailed the “shared vision” of the bilateral relationship and “the need for us to keep on working together to make our region more prosperous, inclusive, and secure.”

Mexico’s minimum wage goes up by around four percent from January 1, a hike criticized by some as insufficient to meet the needs of the country’s poorest citizens. Some 13 percent of Mexico’s workforce still earn the minimum salary, which pales in comparison to those of other developed nations.  A minimum salary is not enough to cover even the basic necessities of a Mexican family, many NGOs say. 

Marijuana debate

Dates have been set for Mexico’s federal legislators and senators to discuss the possible legalization of marijuana.  Sessions and audiences involving experts on the issue will take place from January 25 to February 17.

After years of sustained hikes, motorists will be pleased to learn that the cost of gas will be lowered as of January 1. 

Mexico City, commonly known here as the Distrito Federal, may soon receive the status of a state, allowing residents to elect a governor rather than a mayor for the first time.   

The idea of listening to a elderly man wearing a back to front baseball cap, bermuda shorts and talking in the high-pitched voice of a child for three hours each Sunday morning may not appeal to many.