Golden Pension Reform Approved by 18 State Congresses: What's Next?

that will directly impact thousands of high-level former public officials, while redefining retirement limits within public service. Now, the focus shifts to the Congress of the Union, where the declaration of constitutionality is anticipated as the final step before its entry into force.

Which States Voted in Favor of the Golden Pension Reform?

The support from 18 local congresses marks a turning point in the progress of this reform. According to the Mexican constitutional process, approval from at least 17 state legislatures is required to validate amendments to the Magna Carta. This requirement has now been met.

16 congresses approved the reform unanimously:

• Chiapas
• Tabasco
• Mexico City
• San Luis Potosí
• Sinaloa
• Veracruz
• Sonora
• Nayarit
• Baja California Sur
• Michoacán
• Colima
• Puebla
• Guerrero
• Campeche
• Hidalgo
• Quintana Roo

Two congresses approved it by majority:

• Baja California: 20 votes in favor and 4 against
• Zacatecas: 19 votes in favor, 2 against, and 1 abstention

With these endorsements, the reform reached the 18th vote, practically ensuring its implementation.

What Does the Golden Pension Reform Entail?

The core of the reform lies in the modification of Article 127 of the Constitution, which regulates the remunerations of public servants.

The new criterion establishes that no pension for high-level former public officials may exceed half of the presidential salary. This change introduces a clear and binding limit for public sector retirements, particularly for those who held executive positions.

How does this translate into figures? According to the Federation’s Expenditure Budget 2026:

• Monthly gross presidential salary:
  • 193,706 pesos
• Monthly net salary:
  • 134,290 pesos (after taxes and deductions)
• New pension cap:
  • 96,853 gross pesos
  • Approximately 67,145 net pesos

In practical terms, this implies that the so-called golden pensions must adjust to the new limit.

Impact of the Reform: Who is Affected and Who is Excluded?

The reform has a specific scope within the public apparatus but also includes relevant exceptions. The adjustment is aimed at:

• Confidential staff
• Former executives of decentralized agencies
• Officials of state-productive enterprises
• Members of public trusts

In these sectors, retirement schemes with high amounts have been identified, which motivated the impetus for this initiative.

Additionally, it is estimated that at least 6,292 former public servants will see their pensions reduced. Meanwhile, current retirements must be reviewed and adjusted according to the new constitutional framework.

The ruling also establishes exceptions, which delimit the scope of the reform:

• Armed Forces: Military pensions will not be modified.
• Individual savings or union schemes: Includes accounts with voluntary contributions or complementary funds.
• Non-contributory pension: The one established in constitutional Article 4 remains unchanged.

What Follows After Approval by Local Congresses?

Although progress is significant, the legislative process is not yet concluded. The following steps are key for the reform to come into effect:

• Declaration of constitutionality
  • The Congress of the Union (Chamber of Deputies and Senate) must formally issue it.
• Official publication
  • The federal Executive will order its publication in the Official Gazette of the Federation.
• Entry into force
  • Once published, the reform will be mandatory nationwide.

It is anticipated that these steps will be finalized in the coming days, allowing the reform to be firm before the current legislative period concludes.

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