Aleida Guevara, the daughter of Ernesto "Che" Guevara, has stirred discussion by stating that Mexicans are "privileged" due to the historic meeting between her father and Fidel Castro in their country. This remark comes amidst the controversy surrounding the removal of statues of these figures from a public square in Mexico City.
Guevara considers the events at Jardín Tabacalera, located in Cuauhtémoc borough, as a "historical reminder" that should be appreciated by citizens beyond political biases. In an interview with Publimetro, she remarked that "the statues hold little significance for the families" and emphasized that their installation or removal should be a decision made by the people. She further argued that both her father and Castro transcend geographical boundaries, stating, "they are universal figures, not just belonging to Cuba or Mexico."
When asked about her position on the statues' return to their original site, Guevara's response was noncommittal, simply saying, "whatever they decide." Her comments come in the wake of the local authorities in Cuauhtémoc removing the sculpture ensemble known as the Monumento Encuentro, or popularly called La banca del Che y Fidel. This decision followed the discovery of irregularities in its placement and multiple complaints from area residents.
The removal prompted a protest on July 21, involving approximately 150 participants, including locals, Cuban citizens linked to the consulate, regime supporters, and Communist Party agitators in Mexico. The federal government and Claudia Sheinbaum, the city's mayor, criticized the action, labeling it "illegal," "intolerant," and "hypocritical."
Meanwhile, the central government has requested the return of the sculptures for "institutional" relocation. However, the underlying debate remains unresolved: why should figures associated with authoritarian regimes, unrelated to Mexico's democratic history, occupy public spaces without public consensus?
Social media has amplified the dissent, with some users questioning Aleida Guevara's involvement in Mexico's internal decisions, while others have humorously suggested placing the statues in her own home. The discussion is far from over, continuing to provoke strong emotions regarding historical memory, ideology, and public space.
Controversy Over Historical Monuments in Mexico
Why were the statues of Che Guevara and Fidel Castro removed in Mexico City?
The statues were removed due to irregularities in their placement and numerous complaints from local residents about their presence in the public square.
What has been the reaction of the Mexican government to the removal of the statues?
The federal government and Mexico City's mayor, Claudia Sheinbaum, have criticized the removal, calling it "illegal," "intolerant," and "hypocritical."