Espita Mayor Accused of Using Baseball Field for Horseback Riding, Barring Youth Training | El Universal (MX) | 01KZPYHDCD7P626VYHRXS2KHRE

The mayor of Espita, Yucatán, Mario Isaías Sánchez Esquivel, faces accusations of abusing his power by using the municipal baseball field for personal horseback riding. This action reportedly prevented local youth from accessing the field for their training sessions. Municipal trustee Beatriz Díaz Gutiérrez denounced the mayor, stating that police officers blocked the entrance to the facility when young athletes arrived. Furthermore, an official town vehicle was allegedly used to transport the mayor's horse trailer to the field. Residents expressed indignation over the alleged misuse of public spaces and resources for private purposes. This is not the first time Sánchez Esquivel, who belongs to the Green Party, has been embroiled in controversy. In January 2025, residents complained about him charging a 600-peso fee to trucks delivering merchandise. He had justified this "tax" as necessary for infrastructure improvements, but public pressure and intervention from the state congress led him to reverse the decision.