The clash between political parties escalates as Jorge Romero, president of the National Action Party (PAN), has accused local congresses led by the Moreno party of undermining municipalities governed by PAN. This accusation arises from claims of insufficient budget allocations for the upcoming year, impacting municipalities such as Hermosillo, Mérida, and Zacatecas.
At the heart of Romero's accusations is the belief these congressional actions stem from political motives prioritizing party loyalty over the actual needs of citizens. He stated, "Los diputados locales de Morena y sus aliados prefieren poner por encima sus intereses partidistas a las necesidades de las y los ciudadanos, por autorizar presupuestos insuficientes para el año que viene para algunas presidencias municipales lidereadas por gobernantes de nuestro partido como Hermosillo, Mérida y Zacatecas," clearly articulates his frustration with this situation.
Romero’s stance is firm on the importance of respecting municipal governance. He warned against pressuring mayors and insisted on the necessity of providing adequate budgets, saying, "No presionen a los alcaldes, que les den lo que les corresponde para que ayuden a la gente y gobiernen sin distingos partidistas, porque las necesidades y los problemas no tienen colores." His emphasis on the apolitical nature of citizen needs has reverberated through local discussions.
Despite these budgetary constraints, Romero highlighted the proven track record of PAN mayors. He noted, "Nosotros sí podemos presumir en donde gobernamos, que la gente vive mejor, hay mejores servicios, nosotros podemos presumir que nuestros alcaldes y alcaldesas son de los mejor evaluados en el país por sus resultados, no por sus promesas, sino por su trabajo diario, que atiende las necesidades más apremiantes de la gente." Here, he underscored their commitment to fulfilling citizens' needs, regardless of the political climate.
Romero’s advocacy for PAN governors is underlined by his call to action, urging them to continue pushing for their communities’ interests. He assured them of support from the PAN national leadership, affirming, "No están solos frente a algunos gobiernos estatales o legisladores del oficialismo que no han sabido estar a la altura de las circunstancias," emphasizing collective resolve against pressures exerted by some congressional representatives.
This budget dispute reaches beyond personalities and political parties, reflecting broader dissent about the government's allocation of resources. PAN's alternative budget proposal criticized the federal focus on high-profile projects, such as the Maya Train and Dos Bocas refinery, which Romero believes detracts from pressing societal needs like health care, education, and public safety.
Romero articulated the PAN position, arguing the need for recalibrated financial priorities, stating they only aim for spending reforms equivalent to 4.4% of the proposed Morena budget—"es decir, no se pide más dinero a través de impuestos, solicitamos gastar mejor para beneficio de todas y todos los mexicanos," signaling they aren't strictly demanding more taxes but advocating for smarter financial decisions.
The backdrop of rising public debt, which Romero pointed out has reached 8.3 trillion pesos, adding 1.6 trillion pesos of new debt expected for 2025, also elicits concern among taxpayers. This would ideally spur discussions on fiscal responsibility and the effective use of allocated funds at local levels.
The coming legislative sessions promise to be pivotal as PAN officials intend to rally local officials to advocate for fair funding practices, notwithstanding the political pressure from their adversaries. Romero's statements deliberate on these aspects, aiming to inspire action and showcase the importance of responsive governance unimpeded by partisanship.
To conclude, the integrity of municipal governance is at the forefront of this budgetary dispute. Jorge Romero's insights reflect core democratic values calling for equitable treatment of all constituencies, irrespective of the political factions governing them. The citizens of Hermosillo, Mérida, and Zacatecas deserve municipalities led by responsive leadership, unrestrained by partisanship. His decisive voice provides reassurance to those who rely on their elected officials to deliver on pressing needs—an appeal to transcend party lines for the common good of all Mexicans.
