Neighbors of the Cuarta Transformación neighborhood in Tultitlán, State of Mexico, carried out blockades on the Mexico-Querétaro highway this Friday, February 7, in protest of the authorities' lack of attention regarding the name change of the streets in the area. About 250 people gathered at the Tepotzotlán toll booth from 10 in the morning to demand a popular consultation to define the neighborhood's name.
The demonstration arises from the unfulfilled agreements by the state government, as explained by Francisco Fuentes, the lawyer representing the neighbors, in an interview. The appointment for the popular consultation was canceled several times, which generated distrust in the community. The intention to change the neighborhood's name to "Cuarta Transformación," without consulting the residents, has caused discomfort and rejection.
Residents argue that the Tultitlán city council intends to impose names such as "Me canso ganzo" or "Acúsalos con su mamá" on the streets of the neighborhood, without considering the opinions of those who live there. Due to the lack of response to their requests for votes to decide on the name of the area, neighbors have decided to protest and demand to be considered in these important decisions that affect their environment.
Protests began weeks ago when people marched in the capital of the State of Mexico in opposition to the renaming of 47 streets in the Cuarta Transformación neighborhood. Names like "Me Canso Ganzo" or "Tren Maya," linked to projects and programs of former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador, have generated controversy and rejection among the residents.
The mayor of Tultitlán, Ana María Castro, was blamed for ordering the street name changes, which sparked the first protests in December. Residents have expressed their dissatisfaction with these unilateral decisions that do not consider their opinions, even going so far as to remove and throw away the neighborhood signs as a sign of rejection. The situation has escalated to confrontations with the municipal police after they intervened with tear gas during the protests.
