Yucatán Congress Approves $1.56 Billion Peso Loan for Metropolitan Well-being Plan

Yucatán's state congress has approved a $1.562 billion peso (approximately $92 million USD) loan requested by Governor Joaquín Díaz Mena's administration. The funds will finance the Metropolitan Well-being Plan, a project encompassing hydraulic network upgrades, road infrastructure improvements, and enhanced security measures for Mérida.

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the process was a simulation to cosmeticize the debt.

The vote saw 31 legislators in favor, with three voting against. Opposition came from Gaspar Quintal of the PRI and Larissa Acosta and Javier Osante of Movimiento Ciudadano. Quintal criticized the public participation process, stating there was insufficient dialogue and discussion. He argued that citizens were only involved after projects and budgets were already set, and that socio-economic impact studies were replaced by advertising campaigns. Quintal described the public engagement as a "simulation to cosmeticize the debt."

Defending the plan, Roger Torres Peniche of the PAN acknowledged that all financing has pros and cons but asserted the loan is necessary to address pressing issues in potable water, mobility, and security. He stressed that the credit would be subject to "vigilance and transparency."

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all financing has pros and cons, but the loan addresses concrete problems of potable water, mobility, and security.

Naomi Peniche and Bayardo Ojeda, also from the ruling Morena party, supported the initiative. They defended the consultation mechanisms used to develop the plan, claiming it reflects public input and citizen needs. The loan's approval moves forward despite the criticisms, with supporters highlighting its potential to solve critical infrastructure and safety challenges.

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the initiative collects citizens' proposals and represents the voice of the people.