Disability activist scales government palace to protest transport fare hike

A dramatic protest unfolded at the Morelos Government Palace as an activist with a visual disability scaled its facade to voice opposition to a public transport fare hike. Beatriz Fragoso Maldonado, a member of the Morelense Movement for People with Disabilities, ascended to the second-level cornice of the building, shouting her rejection of the minimum fare increase from 10 to 13 pesos, effective Wednesday.

Fragoso argued that the current public transport service does not meet the standards to warrant such an increase. While the fare remains at five pesos for individuals with disabilities, she pointed out that most minibuses and vans are not equipped to accommodate passengers using wheelchairs or crutches, highlighting a broader accessibility issue.

Her protest, marked by shouts and tears, drew the attention of security personnel who attempted to persuade her to descend due to the inherent risks. However, Fragoso remained in place until Governor Margarita González Saravia intervened. This action occurred concurrently with a three-day blockade at the palace's entrances by a group of senior citizens protesting the fare increase, led by Morena councilman Gabriel Rivas Ríos.

Governor González Saravia directly engaged with Fragoso, prompted by concerns over a potentially tragic outcome. The activist had previously attempted to voice her concerns through protests within the government headquarters, but her daring act on the building's exterior brought the issue to a critical point, forcing a direct dialogue with the state's highest official.