The Head of Government of Mexico City, Clara Brugada, announced that they will formally request the Cuauhtémoc delegation to hand over the sculptures of the Cuban dictator Fidel Castro and the Argentine guerrilla Ernesto “Che” Guevara, recently removed from the Jardín Tabacalera, in order to reinstall them in a "symbolic and central" public space in the city.
"We want to recover the sculptures, which are currently in a warehouse (...) so that the City Government, along with the Federal Government, can have these sculptures in a symbolic place in the city," Brugada stated during an official event of the Rain Harvest and Solar Heaters program to Transform the City, reported El Universal.
The sculptures, which represent the first meeting between Fidel and Che, were removed last Wednesday by workers from the Cuauhtémoc municipality, citing alleged irregularities in their installation in the Tabacalera Garden.
The incident sparked tensions between the city government and councilor Alessandra Rojo de la Vega, as well as mixed reactions among the public and a small segment of the Cuban community residing in Mexico, who, from afar, claim to “defend” the Cuban Revolution.
Brugada defended the historical and symbolic value of the figures, stating that "these two figures also represent the self-determination of peoples, the spirit of sovereignty, which also unites two nations."
He added that his presence in the public space constitutes "an act of memory and respect for the history of the peoples of America."
He also reiterated his support for the Havana regime and the people of Cuba, expressing “all our respect from Mexico City, all our solidarity, and our deepest recognition of your history, dignity, and struggles.”
The head of government emphasized that Mexico City has historically been a space of refuge, hospitality, and dialogue for political leaders and social movements from across Latin America, especially regarding the historical ties with the Caribbean island.
Moreover, the government of Claudia Sheinbaum has clearly shown that it will continue the "good diplomatic relations" with Cuba, which, in other words, means that it will continue to finance the regime.
Sheinbaum herself spoke out this Thursday regarding the removal of the controversial statues of Fidel Castro and Ernesto "Che" Guevara from the Jardín Tabacalera, suggesting that the figures could be reinstated elsewhere, as she believes they are part of a "historical moment" related to the shared history between Cuba and Mexico.
"If your intention is to have that removed, then we will speak with the head of government because this is a historic moment, regardless of whether one agrees or disagrees with any particular figure, which is relevant to Mexico," Sheinbaum stated during a press conference.
The mayor of Cuauhtémoc, Alessandra Rojo de la Vega, publicly defended the decision to remove the statues despite the extensive debate sparked on social media and in the media.
Rojo de la Vega reaffirmed his position, citing respect for human rights and the wishes of the community's residents, despite the fact that the measure sparked controversy, particularly among the vocal supporters of the Cuban Revolution in Mexico.
The controversy surrounding the statues intensified after the mayor proposed this Saturday to auction them off, suggesting that those who venerate them should purchase them with their own money.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Sculptures of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara in Mexico City
Why were the statues of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara removed from the Tabacalera Garden?
The statues were removed due to irregularities in their placement and numerous neighborhood complaints. Mayor Alessandra Rojo de la Vega explained that they did not have the permits from the Committee of Monuments and Artistic Works in Public Spaces, which are required according to the regulations of Mexico City.
Where are the statues of Fidel and Che currently located?
The statues are being kept in a warehouse while their final destination is decided. The Head of Government of Mexico City, Clara Brugada, has expressed her intention to reinstall them in a symbolic and central location in the city.
What is the stance of the Mexico City government on statues?
The government of Mexico City, led by Clara Brugada, defends the historical and symbolic value of the figures of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, stating that they represent self-determination and sovereignty. Brugada has shown support for the Cuban regime and aims to reinstall the statues in a symbolic location.
What reactions have been generated by the removal of the statues?
The removal of the statues has sparked intense debate on social media and in the media. Divided reactions have emerged among citizens and politicians, with some defending the decision for reasons of human and legal rights, while others view it as an anti-communist act.
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