Economist Podcasts Gang-buster: Can Sheinbaum beat Mexico crime?
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Nov 17, 2025 
Join Sarah Burke, The Economist's bureau chief for Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, alongside Moeka Iida, a reporter covering Japanese politics, and Anne Rowe, an obituaries editor reflecting on Peter Gurney's life. They dive into the recent protests in Mexico City over violent crime, contrasting successes in reducing homicides with ongoing challenges. Moeka discusses the delays in the trial of Abe's assassin, while Anne celebrates Gurney’s heroic legacy in bomb disposal. A mix of heart-wrenching and insightful stories await!
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Early Crime Reductions Under Sheinbaum
- Claudia Sheinbaum's government shows early signs of reducing violent crime, though numbers vary by metric.
- The Economist's analysis found murders down 14% and overall violent crime down 6% in her first year.
Data-Driven Security Leadership
- Omar Hafush is a data-driven security minister with expanded powers and focus on coordination.
- Targeted arrests and doubled firearm seizures reflect a more intelligence-led approach.
Zacatecas: A Quiet Turnaround
- Zacatecas shows a localized success story with steep falls in murder rates and restored public trust.
- Authorities purged corrupt officers, hired outsiders and created unified command in violent municipalities.