Copyright ibtimes
The killing of Carlos Manzo, mayor of Uruapan, Michoacán, has sparked outrage among residents of the state, many of whom have voiced frustration with the security strategy of Gov. Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla's administration. The tragedy also drew widespread criticism at the federal level. On Nov. 4, during her daily morning news conference, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced a peace and justice plan to be implemented in Michoacán, a state that for decades has been contested by various criminal organizations. "Yesterday I said, and I reaffirm today, our commitment to uncover the truth and deliver justice in the cowardly killing of Carlos Manzo, mayor of Uruapan. Since yesterday, we have deployed additional National Guard forces to Michoacán and Uruapan," Sheinbaum said. According to the president, the plan focuses on three main pillars: security and justice, economic development with fairness, and education and culture for peace. "It stems from a deep conviction that security cannot be sustained through war, but through justice, development and respect for life. Peace is not imposed by force, it is built by people, by communities and through the daily work of those who love their land," Sheinbaum said. Under the security and justice component, the federal government aims to strengthen law enforcement through joint units focused on homicide and extortion cases. The plan also calls for the creation of a specialized prosecutor's office for high-impact crimes, a new alert system for local officials and stronger mechanisms for anonymous reports of extortion. Sheinbaum's plan also seeks to guarantee fair wages and social security for farmers, along with investments in rural infrastructure. For years, criminal groups have extorted and killed lime and avocado producers across the state. The third and final part of the plan centers on improving education and promoting a culture of peace through social programs, statewide campaigns and expanded support for victims. "Starting today, we will begin this work, and we hope that through open dialogue with different sectors, by this weekend, or early next week, we can present this comprehensive Peace and Justice Plan for Michoacán. It will be based not on violence, but on the construction of peace, with security and justice, as we said yesterday, and with a series of actions we want to build together with the people of Michoacán," she added. The plan is part of Sheinbaum's broader response to Manzo's killing. On Nov. 3, she said there would be "no impunity" in the case and pledged that authorities would pursue all investigations until those responsible are found. That same day, the president ruled out the possibility of militarizing Michoacán and stressed that violence must not be met with more violence, saying actions must always remain within the law. "There is no way out through violence, and it must be said clearly. As the mayor of Uruapan himself said, young people were not given opportunities for years. This is not about returning to the past, but about building justice, and that is the movement we represent — justice for those who have never had it and, for the good of all, the poor first," she said. Originally published on Latin Times
