Sheinbaum describes herself as a ‘normal person’ after flying coach to Spain
A reporter noted that Sheinbaum flew to Spain on a commercial airline to attend a meeting in Barcelona with the leaders of countries including Spain, Brazil, Colombia and Uruguay. The president also returned to Mexico in economy class.
“I was on the same flight,” the reporter said before asking Sheinbaum about her experience taking photos and engaging with other passengers on a commercial aircraft.
“Even though I’m president, that doesn’t mean I stop being a common human being,” she said.
“I have a responsibility, I was elected by the people and I assume my responsibility, but that doesn’t mean [I should have] special privileges,” Sheinbaum said.
She went on to say that she takes appropriate “security measures” when traveling, but asserted that she doesn’t share “the vision” of past presidents of Mexico who didn’t “connect with the people.”
Sheinbaum highlighted that she earns a good salary compared to most Mexicans, and asserted that her wage is “sufficient recognition” for her work as president — i.e., she doesn’t need or deserve privileges such as traveling on private planes, or in first or business class.
“We’re normal people,” she said, referring to herself and other officials.
Sheinbaum acknowledged that she has used military planes when traveling in Mexico so that she can visit various parts of the country in a single day.
“But in general, we try to go on commercial flights or in vehicles,” she said.
EU representatives to come to Mexico in May to sign new trade agreement
Sheinbaum told reporters that Foreign Affairs Minister Roberto Velasco is in Brussels to “organize the visit of the European Union in May.”
European officials are coming to Mexico to sign the updated trade agreement between Mexico and the European Union, she said.
Sheinbaum said last October that “tariffs on various products” will be removed once the modernized pact enters into force.
“It greatly benefits Mexico in terms of exporting products to Europe, both agricultural and manufactured goods. So it’s very beneficial for Mexico,” she said Oct. 17.
By Mexico News Daily chief staff writer Peter Davies (peter.davies@mexiconewsdaily.com)
