President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico finds herself defending her security strategy after a wave of violence associated with criminal organizations like the CJNG and the Sinaloa Cartel. On February 22, violence erupted, leading to strong public discourse regarding the effectiveness of her approach, which she claims is different from former President Felipe Calderón's methods. She insists on following the 'hugs, not bullets' policy of her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, but critics argue that such a stance is insufficient in combating the severe threats posed by organized crime.

Critics, including international observers, challenge Sheinbaum's framing of recent violence as anything other than terrorism, questioning her capacity to confront one of the world's most dangerous criminal landscapes. This scrutiny highlights the disconnect between her optimistic rhetoric and the stark realities faced by citizens in areas plagued by crime. The article notes that her defense weakens her image both nationally and internationally, suggesting a lack of vigor in her stance against powerful drug cartels.

Moreover, while acknowledging inappropriate remarks made by figures like Elon Musk about her leadership, the article stresses that the attacks stem from her own previous comments, particularly regarding the war on drugs. There seems to be a growing recognition that a more assertive and clear strategy is necessary to effectively counteract the escalating violence instigated by these formidable criminal organizations, which have wreaked havoc on Mexican society, underscoring the urgent need for decisive action in the ongoing struggle against drug-related violence.