Tony Gali Fayad joins Movimiento Ciudadano in Puebla

Former Governor of Puebla, José Antonio ‘Tony’ Gali Fayad, has officially joined Movimiento Ciudadano (MC), marking his return to high-level political activity after an eight-year hiatus. Upon his induction, Gali Fayad was appointed as a national delegate for the party in Puebla, a move that political analysts suggest could position him for a potential candidacy for the mayoralty of Puebla in the 2027 elections.

The move has triggered significant reactions across the political spectrum. Mario Riestra, the state leader of the PAN, criticized the move as an ‘opposition simulation’ and warned his party must protect its political operators from being recruited by MC. Conversely, Morena officials, including Andrés Villegas Mendoza, stated that the party does not need to rely on the fragmentation of the opposition vote to secure victory, citing a 53 percent electoral preference in the state.

This political realignment is viewed as a strategic maneuver ahead of the 2027 electoral process, which will determine local and federal deputies as well as various mayoralties. While MC leaders emphasize that Gali Fayad brings experience and results to their project, opponents argue the move is a calculated attempt to weaken established party structures.