Sheinbaum promises 'never again' repression against the people of Mexico 20 years after Atenco

In a powerful address marking the 20th anniversary of the San Salvador Atenco events, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum unequivocally promised an end to state repression against its citizens. Speaking at an event focused on the Plan de Justicia for the locality, she invoked the memory of the "cruel repression" of May 2006, attributing it to past governments that prioritized the interests of a select few over the rights of the people. Her commitment, "never again will there be repression against the people of Mexico," resonated deeply, signaling a fundamental shift in governance.

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never again will there be repression against the people

President Sheinbaum's speech was a clear repudiation of the development models of the past, particularly those that involved land dispossession. She highlighted the historical struggle against the Texcoco airport project, initiated during Vicente Fox's presidency, and celebrated its eventual cancellation following a popular consultation under Andrés Manuel López Obrador. The restitution of 54 hectares to the Atenco ejido for agricultural use, alongside a formal recognition of the victims of the 2006 repression, stands as a tangible symbol of this new era. "Where there was dispossession, today there is land restitution; where there was repression, today there is dialogue," she stated, encapsulating the administration's ethos.

This commitment to a different style of governance was further evidenced by Sheinbaum's prior dialogue with protesters demanding water access and land return. This direct engagement contrasts sharply with the confrontational approaches of previous administrations, which she characterized as "conservative" and focused on benefiting elites. By framing her actions within the context of the "fourth transformation" – a historical narrative of Mexican struggles for sovereignty, social justice, and democracy – Sheinbaum sought to connect her administration's policies to the nation's deepest aspirations.

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Where there was dispossession, today there is land restitution; where there was repression, today there is dialogue

From our perspective at El Deber, this moment in Atenco is profoundly significant for Mexico. It's not just about rectifying past wrongs; it's about redefining the relationship between the state and its citizens. While international media might focus on the political implications or the historical parallels, for us, it’s about the lived reality of communities like Atenco and the promise of a government that listens and responds. President Sheinbaum's pledge, "never again a police or the National Guard will repress the people of Mexico," is a powerful declaration that, if upheld, could mark a turning point in Mexico's long journey towards justice and human rights.

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Today we say clearly: never again a police or the National Guard will repress the people of Mexico