In a show of determination and civic responsibility, the conservative mayor of Cuauhtémoc borough, Alessandra Rojo de la Vega, has revolutionized the way public space is managed. On July 17, she removed the controversial bronze statues of communist dictators Fidel Castro and Ernesto “Che” Guevara from the Tabacalera neighborhood, arguing that the monuments never met legal requirements and that their continued presence disrespected fundamental freedoms.
Rojo de la Vega explained on social media that the statues had been installed without the authorization of the Committee on Monuments and Artistic Works in Public Spaces (COMAEP), lacked official registration, and were being kept under irregular custody. “That’s not how things are done,” she said, and proceeded to have them removed without delay.
Auction as a Resource
But the mayor didn’t stop there. In a bold move, she proposed auctioning off the statues so that those who admire them could buy them — with their own money. “To all the communists, closet communists, dictator collectors… auction off Fidel and Che. Use revolutionary austerity bonds. Public space is for living, not worshiping oppression,” she declared in a public message filled with clarity and popular patriotism.
Through this proposal, Rojo de la Vega seeks to ensure that those who idolize these tyrants pay directly for the symbol — not with taxes, not with public funds. “If you love your idols, put them in your living room, in your garden… but pay for them yourselves,” she emphasized.
Public Support and Focus on Shared Priorities
Residents of the Tabacalera neighborhood have applauded the measure, celebrating it as a victory for common sense and real priorities: fixing sidewalks, parks, and gardens for the benefit of the 580,000 residents who live in the area every day — not for passersby or communist sympathizers, as the mayor pointed out.
The emphasis on austerity shifts spending from idolizing tyrants to tangible improvements that raise quality of life: accessible sidewalks, clean and safe green spaces, well-maintained public infrastructure — in short, the things that matter to everyday people.
Reactions: Applause and Protests
The proposal has ignited ideological debate. From progressive circles, it’s being framed as historical censorship, while conservatives see it as responsible governance:
The national left, including President Claudia Sheinbaum, lamented the removal and suggested relocating the statues. But Mayor Rojo de la Vega stood firm: yes to public space, no to dictator worship.
Pro-Castro and Che protesters marched with slogans like “This street belongs to Fidel,” but their turnout was limited and did not disrupt the peace of the city.
Meanwhile, in the United States, the Republican base views the move as a clear reflection of Trumpian values: defending Western civilization, rejecting the misuse of public spaces for glorifying oppressors, and putting law-abiding citizens first.
Alignment with Trump and Conservative Leadership
In this context, the mayor’s proposal fits squarely within the framework President Donald Trump has championed: patriotism over radical thought, strict stewardship of public funds, and prioritizing the rights of citizens over oppressive ideologies.
It’s worth remembering that under the Trump administration, there has been a push to review monuments that glorify divisive historical figures — including revisiting national memorials, as the Department of Justice reaffirmed in June 2025.
Political Impact and Future Outlook
The idea of auctioning off statues is a bold administrative innovation: implementing real measures to uphold the law, prioritize citizens’ well-being, and send a clear political message. In a country where the left still attempts to sanctify public spaces with symbols of tyranny, this act marks a courageous departure.
Additionally, the proposal opens the door to a self-sustaining alternative fund — resources raised through the sale of controversial monuments could be reinvested into maintaining the city, all without relying on taxpayers. A simple yet powerful idea that reinforces efficiency and responsibility.
Conclusion
In today’s global political landscape, Alessandra Rojo de la Vega stands as a shining example of well-grounded conservative leadership: defending liberty, protecting public resources, and shielding citizens from the cult of oppression. This “austerity revolution” — deciding the fate of the statues of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara — is not merely symbolic; it’s a practical defense of collective heritage and the free spirit that President Trump and his administration proudly uphold
