Two mayors murdered within 48 hours in Mexico!

Two mayors murdered within 48 hours in Mexico!

A dark chapter in Mexico's history is currently being opened by the brutal murders of local politicians. Two female mayors were murdered within just 48 hours, highlighting the worrying level of violence in the country. BFM TV reports, that Martha Laura Mendoza, an elected representative in the state of Michoacán, was shot dead in a targeted attack while leaving her home with her husband. A few days earlier, Lilia Garcia, the mayor of San Mateo Piñas in the state of Oaxaca, was killed by five gunmen in her own office.

Both murders are part of a much larger security crisis that has plagued Mexico for years. Viral Mag explains that violence against political officials has increased sharply, with many of them becoming targets of organized crime, particularly when they oppose the interests of cartels.

The background to the violence

The killers often seek financial gain or attempt to consolidate control over certain territories. Michoacán, known as the largest avocado producer in the world, attracts criminal organizations that want to rule the roost there. The cartel association “Nueva familia michoacana”, which Donald Trump even described as a “terrorist organization”, exercises enormous influence. Mayors like the murdered Mendoza, who stood up for social issues and against the dominance of such cartels, often pay with their lives.

The murders are not only attacks against individuals, but also against local democracy. A current report from the taz describes that the wave of violence extends to the major cities of Mexico, where advisors to the mayor of Mexico City, Clara Brugada, were also murdered. These incidents highlight the need for urgent action to ensure the safety of local politicians and combat the power of the cartels.

The reactions and the future

The incidents have put the country on alert, especially ahead of the important elections on June 2, 2024. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador is under pressure to bring the situation under control. The state of Guerrero, also heavily affected by organized crime, is already showing how bad the situation actually is: there are already numerous reports of car bombs, kidnappings and illegal influence on the local economy.

To deal with this violence, the government may plan to increase the presence of the National Guard in the affected areas. But whether this is actually the solution to the complex problem remains questionable. One thing is certain: the brutal murders of women like Martha Laura Mendoza and Lilia Garcia are a striking sign of the need for a comprehensive approach to fighting organized crime and protecting local leaders in Mexico.