Since this Sunday, the state of Michoacán has been implementing its fourth peace plan in 19 years. This Sunday afternoon, Claudia Sheinbaum announced a call to action to put out the fires that have been burning and extinguished for decades, a call addressed to presidents of all political parties and ideologies. The president has shown his efforts are forced by reality, with the killings of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo and Limonero leader Bernardo Bravo dealing a harsh blow to his optimistic numbers on reducing homicides. Security Secretary Omar García Harfucci called the pacification of Michoacán a “national priority.”
The executive branch developed a strong collective message, which the cabinet initiated from the National Palace. The event, attended by all secretaries of state, announced a century of action, ranging from increased military presence in the region, new strategies to combat farmer extortion, expanded student grants and social support, and investment in public roads and fencing.
Sheinbaum assured that his plan would allocate about 57 billion pesos ($3 billion) in public and private investments, including about 26 billion pesos for road infrastructure. The mission informed that next year the government will allocate 37 billion pesos ($2 billion) to social programs that will benefit 1.5 million residents of the province, which has a population of nearly 5 million.
“We will implement even more Republican-style austerity to consecrate the whole of Mexico City. There will be a special effort for the Michoacans,” the mission official assured. Sheinbaum said he will personally follow up on the plan weekly and report on progress at a monthly morning news conference.
The government’s announcement comes amid a wave of social outrage sparked by the killing of Mr. Manzo, an independent politician who decided to take matters into his own hands. I was silenced by a 17-year-old killer who is said to have ties to the Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel (CJNG), a state with more than 4,600 military personnel responsible for security duties.
The crime sparked mass protests calling for the resignation of Morencita Governor Alfredo Ramírez Vedra. Manzo’s widow, Grecia Quiroz, who found herself in her late husband’s shoes, later warned Manzo at a competitive demonstration: “In 2027, we’re going to hold this disciplinary vote because we’re going to honor Mr. Manzo’s memory.”
Mr. Vedra dedicated part of his speech to the dynamic moment taking place in Michoacán. “Protests are a legitimate cry of pain and a starting point,” asserted the governor, who has personally suffered the periodic violence of the state he governs. “For 40 years, in the same Uruapan, I have been teaching priests who are lawyers about professions and income. I feel more about the shades of violence than I believe. Carlos’ teachings brought me back to the past. It is not anger that calms the soul, but learning to respect in life those who are not here today,” I say, the president who made a little humanitarian contribution to the event where employees parade numbers and projects.
Sheinbaum espoused three pillars: security and justice, which were the cornerstone of his plan. Economic development, education and culture for peace. The directive ensures that ministers will this week begin a series of consultations with various stakeholders in the organization to implement the initiative. “Peace cannot be imposed by force. Peace is built by people, communities, and the work they do every day,” Sheinbaum asserted at a press conference.
The proposal to consolidate Sheinbaum’s initiative came from a series of tables organized by the state government. Within four days, mayors, businessmen, farmers, education experts and members of the Catholic Church were consulted. Their opinions were also incorporated into this exercise. Qualichasa community safety group formed by the Purépecha First Nation. The formation of these autonomous organizations is the most successful example in the Chelan community and serves as a reference for the Mexican president.
However, the first thing that strengthened the government after the major murders was the armed presence of security forces. Approximately 400 National Guard troops arrived in Uruapan. The expansion has increased recently since the Secretary of Defense went to other parts of the organization, such as Tepalcatepec. Clashes have been recorded in Tepalcatepec in recent weeks between the military and groups believed to be affiliated with the CJNG.
This move serves as a precursor to elements to arrive in the coming hours. “The state of strength increases,” Mr. Halfuch said. Defense Secretary Ricardo Torrevira reported that 1,980 military personnel arrived last week to strengthen patrols and security tasks. In addition, an additional 4,000 troops will be activated to prevent organized crime groups from “infiltrating the city of Michoacán,” and surveillance will be increased on the borders with Mexico, Jalisco, and Colima states. A total of 10,500 soldiers will be stationed at this entity.
García Harfush, who is visiting the state this week with General Torrevilla, also supported the plan he is implementing in the face of extortion. This will include an anonymous reporting line with operators with a particular focus on Michoacán. In addition, 860 military personnel will be dedicated to responding to water-related complaints, and another 820 will be dedicated to Limonero.
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