Che Guevara, Fidel Castro sculptures in Mexico City to be privately funded, mayor says

Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada has announced that the planned replacement of sculptures depicting Che Guevara and Fidel Castro will be funded entirely through private donations, assuring the public that "not one peso" from the treasury will be used.

Brugada stated that numerous individuals and groups have expressed interest in supporting the project, motivated by the historical significance attributed to Guevara and Castro. "From the moment I announced that it was necessary to replace these sculptures, many people approached, citizens, people who are supportive precisely of the historical meaning of Che Guevara and Fidel Castro," she said during a press conference.

The initiative to replace the statues, which were previously located in the Cuauhtémoc borough, has generated discussion. The mayor confirmed that the new locations for these artworks are still under consideration and will not be the same site as the original placement.

This announcement follows a proposal by the mayor of Cuauhtémoc, Alessandra Rojo de la Vega, to exchange the sculptures for essential public services like garbage trucks or other infrastructure improvements for her district. Brugada reminded that Rojo de la Vega was the one who initially removed the sculptures from the public square.

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From the moment I announced that it was necessary to replace these sculptures, many people approached, citizens, people who are supportive precisely of the historical meaning of Che Guevara and Fidel Castro, and I want to inform you that not one peso from the public treasury will come out for these sculptures.