Mexico: President Claims Murder Rate Down, Skepticism Mounts
President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration has reported a significant decrease in Mexico’s murder rate since taking office in October 2024, with the daily homicide average in December 2025 falling to its lowest point since 2016. According to the National Public Security System, the national murder rate per 100,000 people for 2025 was the lowest since 2015. Despite these figures, the government faces criticism, particularly from opposition parties, who point to a high number of political assassinations and a rise in forced disappearances as evidence that the security strategy is insufficient. Security analysts note that lethal violence remains concentrated in certain states, highlighting ongoing challenges for the administration.