Amidst escalating tensions from agricultural protests blocking dozens of highways nationwide, advisor Altagracia Gómez continues to back Agriculture Secretary Julio Berdegué. The recent surge in conflict has reignited rumors within the government. In addition to the possibility of Alfonso Ramírez Cuéllar's appointment, the prospect of a promotion for Undersecretary Leonel Cota, a trusted figure of Palenque, has also been raised. Cota is reportedly promoting his son, Leonel Efraín, as a potential gubernatorial candidate in Baja California Sur. This Tuesday also saw discussions about appointing Alfonso Durazo, who wishes to leave Sonora for SEGOB, as a special negotiator with producers. The meeting and Slim's proximity to Sheinbaum have fueled speculation that Francisco Cervantes might replace Altagracia as the primary liaison with the business community.
"The company is one of the major price setters, and Altagracia sits on the board of directors. Her position in the governing staff has also become unstable when considering Monday's visit to the National Palace, attended by Carlos Slim and still-serving CCE head, Francisco Cervantes. During these discussions, it was said that several adjustments to the official staff will be finalized next week. The current main grievance against Berdegué, as sources in the cabinet leak, is that a month ago he assured Claudia Sheinbaum that the underlying conflict with producers—specifically the guaranteed grain price and certain credits—had already been resolved. The issue has erupted once again and is compounded by protests across the country over security issues."
