Mexico City: every voice counts

Mexico City

has been going through its own democratic transition for some time. Over two decades ago, the then Federal District stooped being an extension of the federal government and for the first time, it held an election to choose its leader. The relevant figures from this evolution are the capital's delegates , who have worked as a counterweight to the local governmen t for years.

Almost two years ago, a Constituent Congress approved the capital's new Constitution . As a result, there were several significant changes: the Federal District disappeared, the newly named Mexico City became the country's 32nd state, the delegates and districts became mayors and municipalities. With federalism as its foundation , the city has strengthened and the impact it has on its citizens' lives.

Nevertheless, this democratic transition has continued its path, but not without obstacles . One of them, as published by EL UNIVERSAL today, the complex relationship between the mayors and the councilors in each demarcation. The councilors are a new figure for the capital since they take part in public decisions and should work hand in hand with the mayors .

According to EL UNIVERSAL , there are disagreements between mayors and councilors because of the role of councilors in the public sphere . The councilors claim they are disregarded from the municipalities' decisions, which worsens when if they are from other political parties , also, they don't have the necessary resources or institutional support to carry out their tasks.

In contrast, mayors report progress in regards to economic agreements with the councilors , especially in regards to salaries and office equipment. Some mayors explain that the councilors are included in the meetings where they make decisions that affect the city's inhabitants.

The fact is that the councilors should have the necessary conditions to work. They began working two months ago, but they are not carrying out their tasks the proper way, although the 2018 Expenditure Bud get anticipated the use of MXN $310 millions to strength the councilors. Today, the resources haven't flow properly through the municipalities.

It's beneficial to listen to different opinions in democratic life , especially if they come from different groups, as in the case of the councilors . Mexico City's mayors should support the work done by the councilors in their demarcations, even when they are from opposing parties. Listening to different opinions helps to improve the government , and listening to society should be the aim of every public administration . Mutual surveillance between powers benefits society.

Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico City's female mayor

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