Michoacán's Anger: Protests Erupt After Mayor's Murder
In the Mexican state of Michoacán, people are fed up. They've taken to the streets, shouting and setting things on fire, all because their mayor was killed.
A Bold, Public Attack
Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan, was shot dead during a Day of the Dead celebration. This wasn't just any murder; it was a bold, public attack that left everyone stunned.
Protests Spread Across the State
The protests started in the state capital, Morelia, with people chanting:
"Enough of abuses and omissions."
Things got heated, and some folks even stormed the Government Palace. Eight people were arrested. The anger spread to Apatzingán, where protesters set the city hall on fire.
Authorities blamed "shock groups" for the violence, saying they weren't truly interested in peace.
A Wave of Violence
Manzo's murder wasn't the only one fueling the protests. Bernardo Bravo Manríquez, a local citrus grower leader, was also killed in October. Both men were outspoken about crime and security, showing just how deep the violence runs in Michoacán.
Living in Fear
People are tired of living in fear. They're sick of the extortion and violence that's become everyday life. Farmers, in particular, are often forced to pay huge bribes to drug traffickers.
"We're tired as a people," one protester said, summing up the general feeling.
A Popular Figure
Manzo was a popular figure, known for his tough stance on crime. He often posted videos online, wearing a bulletproof vest and cowboy hat, warning police not to go easy on criminals. He was also a critic of the Mexican president, Claudia Sheinbaum, often calling for better security in his city.
A Plan for Peace and Justice?
Sheinbaum has promised a "plan for peace and justice" in Michoacán. It includes things like:
- Investing in education
- Improving farm workers' wages
- Strengthening rural infrastructure
But some experts aren't convinced. David Mora, a senior Mexico analyst, said the plan doesn't offer much new, especially when it comes to sending more federal troops.
A State in Crisis
Mora pointed out that violence in Michoacán is nothing new. The state has seen 1,024 intentional homicides so far this year, making it the seventh highest in Mexico. But the protests, Mora said, are a new and honest reaction to the ongoing security situation.