Mexico’s twin earthquakes, which struck the country on 7 and 19 September, could have serious political repercussions. After a detached and parsimonious initial reaction, Mexico’s political parties are suddenly bending over backwards to exceed each other’s altruism, having been caught off guard by the strength of public feeling, not just requesting but demanding that they stump up the funding which they receive out of the public purse. Once the realisation struck home, there was a swift change of attitude as political parties became aware of the fact that they could face a serious punishment vote in presidential and congressional elections next June if they are seen to fall short now.