The mayor of Cuauhtémoc, an area that is the political and cultural heart of Mexico City, where the National Palace, the seat of the executive power, and the Historic Center are located, Alessandra Rojo de la Vega, published a photo on Wednesday of the statues of Fidel Castro and Ernesto “Che” Guevara wrapped in plastic.
Rojo de la Vega accompanied his post with a biting comment where he stated that “nothing is more ‘democratic’ than worshiping a dictator who executed, persecuted, and starved his people. But don’t worry, I’m sure Fidel also believed in ‘free elections’… that’s why he’s well wrapped up, in case democracy infects him.”
The post by Rojo de la Vega was a direct response to academic Jorge Gómez Naredo, who had in turn amplified on X a message from the officialist party Movimiento de Regeneración Nacional (Morena) celebrating the birth of Fidel Castro with a graphic piece and praises for the Cuban dictator.
Naredo mocked that the mayor "thinks she defeated communism by removing two statues," and Rojo responded with a photo of the wrapped sculptures, pointing to the cult of authoritarian figures.
The gesture comes weeks after the city council formally removed the sculptures on July 17, from the Tabacalera Garden, after detecting administrative irregularities and multiple complaints from residents.
The work titled Monumento Encuentro, popularly known as “the bench of Che and Fidel,” by the sculptor Óscar Ponzanelli, is under protection and in the process of cataloging while its future is being decided.
Since its installation, it has been the target of vandalism, with graffiti accusing it of being "murderers" and even attempts at theft. In its defense, supporters of the Cuban Revolution argued that it was a tribute to the shared history between Mexico and Cuba, recalling the meeting of both leaders in the Mexican capital in 1955.
After the withdrawal, the mayor put forward a proposal that further inflamed feelings, stating that the sculptures would be auctioned off so that “closet communists” could buy them with their own money instead of using public funds.
The President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, described the measure as illegal, intolerant, and hypocritical, recalling that Rojo de la Vega had vacationed in Cuba, and warned that auctioning them would be a crime of property damage. Additionally, the federal government requested that they be handed over for "institutional" relocation.
The controversy is influenced by Morena's closeness to the Cuban regime. Last May, the party's general secretary, Carolina Rangel Gracida, signed a cooperation agreement with the Communist Party of Cuba in the presence of Miguel Díaz-Canel.
For the Cuban opposition community in Mexico, the removal of the statues was an act of justice and democratic coherence, and they recall that the demonstrations in defense of the figures have been driven by associations linked to the Cuban embassy, which are accused of harassing dissenters and replicating tactics of political pressure.
For now, the statues remain out of public view, awaiting a decision on their fate. In the meantime, the image of Fidel and Che wrapped in plastic has become the new symbol of a battle that extends beyond a square.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Removal of Statues of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara in Mexico
Why were the statues of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara removed in Mexico City?
The statues were removed due to administrative irregularities in their placement, as well as receiving multiple complaints from residents. Mayor Alessandra Rojo de la Vega emphasized that it was a decision based on respect for human rights and in response to the requests of the community.
What happened to the statues of Fidel and Che after their removal?
The statues are under protection and in the process of being cataloged while their final destination is decided. The mayor proposed to auction them off so that those who venerate them can purchase them with their own money, which has sparked controversy.
What has been the Mexican government's reaction to the removal of the statues?
The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, criticized the removal, calling it "illegal," "intolerant," and "hypocritical." She also suggested that the statues could be reinstalled elsewhere, considering them part of a "historical moment" between Cuba and Mexico.
How has the Cuban community in Mexico reacted to the removal of the statues?
The Cuban opposition community in Mexico has expressed its support for the removal of the statues, viewing it as an act of justice and democratic coherence. In contrast, supporters of the Cuban regime have organized protests and demonstrations against the measure.
Filed under:
