In the heart of Mexico City, within the politically and culturally significant Cuauhtémoc district, the mayor, Alessandra Rojo de la Vega, shared a controversial image on Wednesday. The photo depicted statues of Fidel Castro and Ernesto "Che" Guevara shrouded in plastic. Rojo de la Vega's post was sharp in its critique, stating, "Nothing screams ‘democratic’ like idolizing a dictator who executed, oppressed, and starved his people. But don't worry, I'm sure Fidel believed in 'free elections'... hence the plastic wrap, just in case democracy tries to seep in."
This post served as a pointed response to academic Jorge Gómez Naredo. Naredo had earlier amplified a message on X from the ruling party, Movimiento de Regeneración Nacional (Morena), which celebrated Fidel Castro's birthday with a graphic tribute to the Cuban dictator. Naredo sarcastically remarked that the mayor believed removing two statues was a victory over communism. Rojo de la Vega countered with the photo of the wrapped figures, critiquing the veneration of authoritarian icons.
The timing of this gesture is notable, coming only weeks after the formal removal of these statues on July 17 from the Jardín Tabacalera. The decision followed administrative discrepancies and numerous complaints from local residents. Known as Monumento Encuentro or colloquially “the bench of Che and Fidel,” the work by sculptor Óscar Ponzanelli is now safeguarded and undergoing cataloging as its fate is deliberated.
Since their installation, the statues have faced vandalism, defacement with the word “assassins,” and even theft attempts. Supporters of the Cuban Revolution defended the sculptures as a tribute to the shared history between Mexico and Cuba, recalling the meeting of these leaders in Mexico City in 1955.
Following their removal, Mayor Rojo de la Vega proposed auctioning off the statues to allow “closet communists” to purchase them with their funds rather than public money. This suggestion further fueled tensions. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the idea as unlawful, intolerant, and hypocritical, pointing out Rojo de la Vega's past vacations in Cuba. She also warned that putting them up for auction would constitute a crime of patrimonial damage. The federal government has since requested the statues for institutional relocation.
This controversy highlights Morena's close ties with the Cuban regime. In May, the party’s General Secretary, Carolina Rangel Gracida, signed a cooperation agreement with the Communist Party of Cuba in Havana, witnessed by Miguel Díaz-Canel.
For the Cuban opposition community in Mexico, the removal of the statues signified an act of justice and democratic consistency. They emphasize that demonstrations supporting the statues have been driven by groups associated with the Cuban embassy, accused of intimidating dissidents and employing political pressure tactics.
Currently, the statues remain out of public view as decisions about their future are pending. However, the image of Fidel and Che enveloped in plastic has become a new emblem of a conflict that extends far beyond a mere public square.
Controversy Surrounding Fidel and Che Statues in Mexico
Why were the statues of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara removed in Mexico City?
The statues were removed due to administrative irregularities and multiple complaints from local residents. They were also subject to vandalism and public controversy.
What is the significance of wrapping the statues in plastic?
Wrapping the statues in plastic was a symbolic gesture by Mayor Alessandra Rojo de la Vega, critiquing the idolization of authoritarian figures and suggesting a satire on their potential 'infection' by democratic ideals.
What was the response from the Mexican federal government regarding the statues?
The federal government deemed the auctioning of the statues illegal and requested their delivery for institutional relocation, emphasizing the legal implications of patrimonial damage.