A legislator from the state of Chihuahua has ignited a heated debate by suggesting that Cuba should become Mexico's 33rd state. This proposal comes amidst his criticism of what he claims is Mexico's federal government's economic support to Havana.
Francisco Sánchez Villegas, a local legislator and the coordinator of the Orange Caucus of Movimiento Ciudadano in the Chihuahua Congress, publicly stated that the government led by Morena is allegedly allocating substantial resources to the Cuban regime.
"Cuba should be the 33rd state of Mexico," Sánchez Villegas declared, questioning why Mexico, in his view, is already funding gasoline, oil, textbooks, and food for the island nation.
The politician insisted that these funds are sourced from the taxes of hard-working Mexicans.
He also directly criticized Claudia Sheinbaum, asserting that her administration "prefers sending more money to Havana's regime than to the people of Chihuahua."
He further claimed that the amounts sent to Cuba exceed even what is allocated to his own state.
The Critic Within Movimiento Ciudadano
Sánchez Villegas, who hails from Parral and represents the local Congress of Chihuahua, has emerged as one of the most vocal critics within Movimiento Ciudadano concerning the federal government's foreign policy towards Cuba.
"If we're going to keep sending resources to the Caribbean island, it's time for it to become the 33rd state of our country," he asserted.
His remarks come at a time when Mexico is engaged in a debate over the energy cooperation and other support provided to Cuba, as the island grapples with a severe economic and energy crisis that has intensified pressure on Miguel Díaz-Canel's regime.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mexico-Cuba Relations
Why did Francisco Sánchez Villegas suggest making Cuba a Mexican state?
Sánchez Villegas proposed this idea as a critique of Mexico's alleged financial support to Cuba, arguing that resources from Mexican taxes are being used to fund various supplies for the island, such as gasoline and textbooks.
What is the stance of Movimiento Ciudadano on the federal government's support to Cuba?
Movimiento Ciudadano, through critics like Sánchez Villegas, has voiced opposition to the federal government's foreign policy, particularly concerning the financial aid allegedly provided to Cuba.
What impact has Sánchez Villegas' proposal had on the political discourse in Mexico?
The proposal has intensified discussions regarding Mexico's energy cooperation with Cuba, especially as the island deals with significant economic challenges, and has drawn attention to the allocation of resources between domestic needs and foreign aid.