The Mexican Chamber of Deputies unanimously approved a reform to end 'golden pensions' for former public officials, capping government pensions at 70,000 pesos per month. The reform, passed with 458 votes, amends Article 127 of the Constitution, limiting pensions to a maximum of 50% of the President's salary, which will be 67,145 net pesos per month in 2026.
The only exemption applies to military personnel, who will not face pension cuts, seen as recognition of their influence and recent efforts, particularly after an operation against a drug cartel leader that resulted in 28 soldier deaths. The government estimates the reform will save 5 billion pesos in the budget.
The initiative, supported by President Claudia Sheinbaum, who prioritizes fighting organized crime, sparked protests outside the Congress. Former employees of state-owned companies like Pemex and CFE demonstrated, attempting to enter the building to demand the reform not be applied retroactively.
'We are against these abuses that do not remotely reflect the work done, but it is also true that thousands of pensioners who did work and serve the Mexican state retired with the legal and human certainty that they would be respected,' said PAN legislator Margarita Zavala.
'Today is not about pensions. It is about something much more serious: if the government can change the rules and take away acquired rights, then no right is safe. Neither your pension. Nor your savings. Nor your property. Today this is it, tomorrow it can be everything,' she added.
Protesters argue the reform violates acquired rights and undermines the rule of law. The reform now needs approval from at least 17 state congresses before being sent to the President for signing and publication.
