The small town of Cotija, Michoacán is in mourning after its mayor, Yolanda Sánchez, was brutally murdered. She was the town's first female leader.
The BBC reported that hours after Claudia Sheinbaum celebrated her win as Mexico’s first woman president, Sánchez was killed, casting a shadow over this historic moment.
Mayor Sánchez has been governing Cotija since September 2021. Tragically, she was shot 19 times in the town center this Monday, with her bodyguard also falling victim to the fatal assault.
Despite her initiatives and dedication, Sánchez’s term was marred by threats and violence attributed to local organized crime. Last year, she was kidnapped and held for three days while visiting Jalisco, an incident that led her to beef up security and request military reinforcement to protect the town.
Although no arrests have been made, it is widely suspected that the attackers were members of an organized crime group. The Jalisco New Generation cartel, notorious for their ruthless operations including drug trafficking, extortion, and targeting official opposition, is believed to be behind the attack.
Mayor Sánchez’s murder underscores the dangerous political climate in Mexico. More than 20 politicians have been reported murdered since September, while some sources suggest the number could be as high as 40.
In the larger national context, Claudia Sheinbaum's recent electoral victory as Mexico's first female president brought hope amidst the violence. However, concerns about the legitimacy and fairness of the election have surfaced, particularly from Sheinbaum’s opponent, Xóchitl Gálvez.
Gálvez has been vocal about the challenges of the campaign, describing it as an unequal battle against a piece of state machinery favoring Sheinbaum. Her intentions to challenge the election's fairness are clear, though specific methods are yet to be defined.
After the election, Gáligan expressed both hope and concern for Mexico's future under Sheinbaum's leadership:
"I saw a Mexico with a lot of pain and violence. I wished that she could solve the severe problems our people have."
The juxtaposition of these two significant events in Mexican politics highlights a stark divide: the joy of a gender barrier being broken, against the grim reality of ongoing violence that plagues the nation’s leaders.
This tragic incident has not only shaken the local community of Cotija but has also sparked a nationwide discussion on the safety and security of public servants. Sánchez had courageously chosen to fight against yielding the town’s security to corrupt forces, despite the persistent threats to her life.
Moreover, as the country prepares for Sheinbaum's inauguration on October 1, 2024, there is a palpable tension regarding how her administration will address the intertwined issues of political violence and organized crime.
In conclusion, the murder of Yolanda Sánchez casts a long shadow over what should be a celebratory time in Mexican politics. The juxtaposition of these events underscores the complex challenges facing the country as it struggles with violence against politicians while navigating a historic presidential transition.