Carlos Manzo, the 40-year-old mayor of Uruapan in Michoacán, Mexico, was shot dead in broad daylight on November 2. He had fearlessly publicly called on the Mexican government to intensify efforts to combat drug cartels. The assassination of Manzo is not only a tragedy but also an alarming phenomenon - seven mayors in Michoacán have been murdered in the past four years.
President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico called the incident "a coward's act" and announced the launch of a large-scale security operation. The Mexican government will deploy 10,000 soldiers to Michoacán, while strengthening police forces, purchasing new equipment, and blocking state borders to prevent the activities of drug cartels. The Mexican government has allocated 5.7 billion pesos (approximately 310 million USD) for this purpose.
Actually, the Mexican military now not only needs to protect cities but also protect farmers who grow lemons and avocados. These industries have long been a profitable target for criminal groups to extort "taxes on life."
In addition to using force to maintain order, Mexican Economic Minister Marcelo Ebrard has pledged to invest another 390 million pesos for development in Michoacán - building roads, factories, and small business projects. Because as long as people live in poverty, drug cartels will always find people they can bribe and intimidate.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1848392728132620/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.