Mexico City Relocates Citizen Hearings to Floating Garden Amid Low Turnout and Construction Woes

Mexico City's Head of Government, Clara Brugada, has resumed her citizen's hearings, moving the event from the Zócalo to the Floating Garden along Calzada de Tlalpan. The relocation aims to bring government services closer to residents, but initial attendance appeared low, with citizens facing challenges in accessing the new location.

During the hearing, residents voiced their requests and concerns to government officials. However, some attendees expressed significant frustration with the government's responsiveness. One resident from the Guerrero neighborhood described a two-year struggle to get assistance regarding an invasion of common areas in her condominium, lamenting that her requests were never adequately addressed by officials, including those she was directed to by the mayor's office.

“

I live here in Mexico City and it was very difficult for me to get here [Floating Garden]. I asked for help for an invasion of common areas, for them to guide me. They sent me to a certain Inti Muñoz and he never received me. They told me they would attend to me in three weeks and they never attended to me, that they were going to contact me. That's why I am very angry, very upset with the government people.

"I am angry with the Head of Government because for two years I told her about the common areas, which cause us problems," she stated, detailing how a neighbor had closed off a staircase to build a small room. "I don't think I will be attended to [resolved], and Invi [the housing institute] doesn't want to work either," she added, expressing deep dissatisfaction with the perceived inaction.

Meanwhile, construction work continues in various parts of the city, including the area around the Chabacano Metro station and along the Floating Garden. Despite the start of the World Cup, workers were observed on Metro platforms and in gardens, planting and placing flowerpots. Access to the Floating Garden remains partially blocked by barriers, with limited open staircases, forcing attendees to use alternative routes via the San Antonio Abad Metro station or other nearby streets.

“

I am angry with the Head of Government because for two years I told her about the common areas, which cause us problems. It is a property of two buildings with three apartments each, a Salvadoran woman arrived and wanted money because she was going to make improvements, so the staircase of our building was closed and she made a very small room there. I don't think I will be attended to [resolved] and Invi [the housing institute] doesn't want to work either.