An international tribunal ruled in favor of Mexico in a dispute with foreign companies. The case was initiated after the cancellation of a concession during the start of the Fourth Transformation. The companies claimed compensation of nearly 3 billion dollars, arguing violations of the provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). On March 26, the Arbitral Tribunal resolved in favor of the Mexican State, represented by the Secretariat of Economy, by determining that there was no violation of the provisions of the trade treaty. In addition to dismissing the multi-million dollar compensation, the court condemned the foreign companies to cover the legal costs. The Government of Mexico City collaborated in the defense of the Mexican State from the beginning of the litigation, almost five years ago, by providing key information about the origin of the conflict. Capital authorities highlighted that this result prevents the city's inhabitants from bearing the costs of past decisions that sought to privatize essential public services. Finally, the local government congratulated the legal team, the Secretariat of Economy, and the federal cabinet for the favorable result that protects the public interest and national sovereignty. The head of Government, Clara Brugada, recognized the work of the Secretariat of Economy and the cabinet of President Claudia Sheinbaum after obtaining a favorable ruling for the Mexican State in an international arbitration. The case dates back to 2016, when a concession was granted to a company with foreign investment that forced nearly 140,000 taxi drivers in the capital to replace the taximeter with a digital tablet, generating mandatory payments for each trip made. According to capital authorities, this model represented an attempt to privatize the taxi service in the city by concentrating a multimillion-dollar business in the hands of a private company. Privatization pushed during the previous six-year term is halted. During her campaign for the Head of Government, Claudia Sheinbaum spoke out against this policy.
