Querétaro Secretary of Government faces criticism over protest remarks

Querétaro State Secretary of Government, Éric Gudiño Torres, has faced criticism following remarks regarding protests by artisans and merchants. Gudiño Torres accused demonstrators, who previously blocked the Querétaro-San Luis highway in May over water demands, of attempting to generate “ingobernabilidad” (ungovernability) and chaos in the state. His comments, which included telling those seeking to cause problems to “buy a life,” have been questioned for their suitability for a public official tasked with fostering social dialogue.

Israel Alejandro Pérez Ibarra, the general secretary of the Morena party in Querétaro, criticized the Secretary's statements as unfortunate and politically motivated rather than institutional. Pérez Ibarra argued that instead of alleging political interests behind the protests related to highway construction works, the Secretary should act as a mediator to address the grievances of local merchants. He suggested the state government has lacked the necessary strategy and tact to resolve the tension caused by ongoing infrastructure projects.