March for Democracy/Mayan Train

March for Democracy. President López Obrador attacked those who participated yesterday in the march for democracy around the country. The president said those who participated only care about keeping their privileges.  

Yesterday, hundreds of thousands of people gathered to protest against the government’s Plan B of the electoral reform. This reform proposes to change 18 articles and insert seven transitional ones. The reform failed to reach a qualified majority with 269 votes in favor, 225 against and one abstention. Political opponents say the reform was rejected for being regressive since it proposes to eliminate the most important democratic institution in the country. However, the president has accused opposition political parties of rejecting the reform because they want to maintain high budgets for their political parties. 

Since this reform did not pass, the president announced his Plan B, which proposes an amendment to the electoral law that does not require the approval of two-thirds of Congress. This week, the Senate approved the reform with 72 votes in favor and 50 against.

According to Mexico City’s government, around 90,000 people participated in Sunday´s protest. Nevertheless, other media sources have reported that more than 500,000 people gathered at the Zocalo, Mexico City´s main square. 

Mayan Train. National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) Director Diego Prieto, announced that 45,305 archeological pieces have been identified along the Mayan Train’s route. For that reason, construction work in section 7 will intensify with the support of the Ministry of Defense (SEDENA). 

Moreover, it was reported that besides transporting tourists, the trains will transport cargo for  PEMEX, considered its main client. General Óscar David Lozano guaranteed that the Mayan Train will start operations December 1, 2023. In addition, SEDENA has reported there will be hotel constructions along the train´s route.