Background on Carlos Manzo Rodríguez and his Assassination
Carlos Manzo Rodríguez, the late mayor of Uruapan, Michoacán, was tragically assassinated, presumably by regional criminal organizations. His widow, Grecia Itzel Quiroz García, has now assumed the role of interim mayor following a special session of the Michoacán State Congress.
Grecia Quiroz García’s Inauguration and Initial Remarks
At the Palacio Legislativo in Morelia, Grecia Itzel Quiroz García took the oath of office with a heavy heart, mourning the loss of her husband and partner in life and work.
“Today, I come with a broken heart because they took away my life companion, my fighting partner, the father of my children,” she said during her first remarks as interim mayor.
Quiroz García criticized the Michoacán state government and the Plan Michoacán for Justice and Peace, suggesting that her husband’s murder forced authorities to focus on Uruapan.
“I will follow in Carlos Manzo’s footsteps… I will leave you a Uruapan, Michoacán, and Mexico that he would have wanted,” she declared.
Fanny Arreola Pichardo Condemns Incendiary Attack on Apatzingán Palacio Municipal
Fanny Arreola Pichardo, the mayor of Apatzingán, condemned the recent fire at the Apatzingán Municipal Palace during a protest demanding justice for Carlos Manzo Rodríguez and Bernardo Bravo, the leader of lemon growers.
“These events were not just an attack on a public building; they were an offense to the daily efforts of farmers, merchants, and teachers working towards peace in Apatzingán,” Arreola Pichardo stated in a message to the citizenry.
She urged the population to remain calm and united, emphasizing that Apatzingán’s municipal operations would continue partially while affected areas were restored.
“We maintain coordination with state authorities to ensure the safety of our municipality’s families, and we will continue attending to citizens’ needs because this community and government will not be paralyzed,” she affirmed.
Julio Alberto Arreola of Pátzcuaro Reports Threats and Seeks Enhanced Security
Julio Alberto Arreola, the mayor of Pátzcuaro, reported receiving threats via messages and phone calls two months ago, which he subsequently denounced to the Michoacán State Fiscal General (FGE).
In a radio interview, Arreola requested increased federal security presence in Pátzcuaro following the assassination of his Uruapan counterpart on November 1st.
He currently has state-assigned personal security consisting of three law enforcement officants, but he insisted that the municipality requires additional federal protection to prevent violent incidents and ensure residents’ tranquility.
“While Pátzcuaro may not face the same security issues as other municipalities, this should not translate into neglect,” Arreola stated.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Grecia Itzel Quiroz García? She is the widow of Carlos Manzo Rodríguez, the late mayor of Uruapan, Michoacán. Following his assassination, she assumed the role of interim mayor.
- What is the significance of Carlos Manzo Rodríguez’s assassination? His death is believed to have been orchestrated by regional criminal organizations. This event prompted Grecia Itzel Quiroz García to continue his legacy as interim mayor.
- What happened during the protest in Apatzingán? The Palacio Municipal was set on fire, which was condemned by Fanny Arreola Pichardo as an attack on the daily efforts of farmers, merchants, and teachers working towards peace.
- What security measures has Julio Alberto Arreola requested? He has sought increased federal security presence in Pátzcuaro following the assassination of his Uruapan counterpart, Carlos Manzo Rodríguez.
