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The controversy surrounding the statues of Fidel Castro and Ernesto "Che" Guevara in the Tabacalera Park of Mexico City continues to escalate, and it now adds a new chapter, after the mayor of Cuauhtémoc, Alessandra Rojo de la Vega, proposed on Saturday to auction off the removed sculptures so that those who hold them in esteem can purchase them with their own money.
In a video posted on her X account (formerly Twitter), the official sarcastically commented on the enthusiasm of certain Mexican sectors for the figures of the Cuban dictator and the Argentine guerrilla, stating that if they admire them so much, they now have the opportunity to "take home" a part of the legacy they defend.
“To the closet communists, to the collectors of dictators, I bring you a unique opportunity. Why don’t we officially auction the sculptures of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara? But this time, you have to pay for it. Not the people, not with taxes, not with our public spaces. With your money,” declared Rojo de la Vega.
The proposal comes days after the mayor's office finalized the official removal of the statues on July 17, in response to a longstanding demand from residents of the Tabacalera neighborhood, who—according to the mayor—have requested the recovery of public space free from symbols of dictatorships.
Rojo de la Vega defended the measure as part of a policy consistent with democratic values and human rights, and emphasized that both Castro and Guevara "preached freedom but silenced with bullets." He also stated that Castro and Che Guevara "do not represent the Cuban people" and championed the courage to rectify past stances.
The initiative to auction the sculptures has generated diverse reactions. Some view it as a provocation, while others celebrate it as a symbolic gesture that forces those who glorify authoritarian figures to do so without public resources.
The Cuban opposition community in Mexico has expressed its support for the mayor. Journalist José Raúl Gallego recalled that the events in defense of the statues have been promoted by the Association of Cubans Residing in Mexico, an organization linked to the Cuban embassy and accused of harassing dissenters.
Various reports have documented how the Mexican Movement of Solidarity with Cuba, along with allied groups, has employed repressive tactics in Mexican territory to silence activists critical of the Cuban regime. From digital harassment to institutional pressure and boycotts, the allegations point to an organized network of surveillance and censorship.
Meanwhile, the statues of Castro and Guevara remain out of public view, and their future is yet to be determined. On Thursday, the President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, suggested that the figures could be relocated to another place, considering that they are part of a "historical moment" related to the shared history between Cuba and Mexico.
Frequently asked questions about the removal and potential auction of statues of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara in Mexico
Why was it decided to remove the statues of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara in Mexico City?
The statues were removed due to administrative irregularities and a historic demand from the neighbors who sought to reclaim the public space free of symbols of dictatorships. The mayor of Cuauhtémoc, Alessandra Rojo de la Vega, defended the action as a gesture of respect for human rights and the will of the community.
What does the mayor of Cuauhtémoc propose to do with the removed statues?
The mayor Alessandra Rojo de la Vega has proposed auctioning the statues so that those who venerate them can purchase them with their own money. This proposal aims to ensure that the glorification of these figures does not rely on public funds or taxes.
What reactions has the proposal to auction the statues generated?
The proposal to auction the statues has generated diverse reactions. Some view it as a provocation, while others see it as a symbolic gesture that forces those who glorify authoritarian figures to do so without public resources. The Cuban opposition community in Mexico has expressed its support for the mayor.
What did the president of Mexico think about the removal of the statues?
The President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, suggested that the statues could be reinstalled elsewhere. She believes they are part of a "historical moment" related to the shared history between Cuba and Mexico, despite some neighbors’ discomfort with the presence of these figures.
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