Mexico's President, Claudia Sheinbaum, has strongly criticized the recent actions of Cuauhtémoc's Mayor, Alessandra Rojo de la Vega, for removing the statues of Fidel Castro and Ernesto "Che" Guevara from a public square in Mexico City. Sheinbaum decried this move as "illegal," "intolerant," and "hypocritical."
According to the newspaper La Jornada, Sheinbaum has demanded the immediate return of the sculptures, which were taken from San Carlos square without the authorization of the Committee of Monuments and Artistic Works in Public Spaces. This committee, comprising institutions like the INAH, the INBAL, and the capital's Ministry of Culture, is responsible for approving any modifications in public areas.
"You can't just remove a statue or monument on a whim. It must go through a committee, and in this case, it did not," Sheinbaum stated firmly. She further accused the decision of being ideologically inconsistent, pointing out that Mayor Rojo de la Vega had vacationed in Cuba in the past.
"The argument is incredibly intolerant and also very hypocritical, given that she herself has vacationed in Cuba. If she were truly opposed, she wouldn't have chosen Cuba as a vacation spot," Sheinbaum emphasized.
She also warned that if the mayor proceeds with her plan to auction off the statues, it would constitute a national patrimonial crime, as these are public assets. This warning highlights that the controversy over the sculptures' removal is not only ongoing but has also escalated into a legal issue.
In collaboration with Mexico City's head of government, Clara Brugada, and the Ministry of Culture, the federal government has requested the statues be turned over for relocation to another site, aiming to resolve the dispute "institutionally."
Sheinbaum recalled that during her tenure as head of government in Mexico City, she consulted the appropriate committee before removing the statue of Christopher Columbus from the Paseo de la Reforma, referencing the established legal protocols for such actions.
When asked if the committee could subject the case to public consultation, she affirmed that it could, as this mechanism is included in local legislation.
Key Questions About the Statue Controversy in Mexico City
Why did Claudia Sheinbaum criticize the removal of the statues?
Claudia Sheinbaum criticized the removal because it was unauthorized and bypassed the official committee responsible for public space modifications, which she deemed illegal, intolerant, and hypocritical.
What is the role of the Committee of Monuments and Artistic Works in Public Spaces?
The committee is tasked with approving any changes to public spaces, ensuring that modifications like the removal of statues are conducted legally and thoughtfully.
What could happen if the statues are auctioned off?
If the statues are auctioned, it would be considered a patrimonial crime against the nation, as these statues are public property.