First Popular Commerce Parliament Inaugurated in Mexico City to Empower Vendors
Mexico City, August 28, 2026 – The “First Popular Commerce Parliament of Mexico City 2026” was inaugurated this Friday at the Donceles Legislative Precinct. Organized by the Mexico City Congress, the event seeks to establish an institutional forum where merchants, market stallholders, street vendors, and producers can articulate their needs and proposals to strengthen their activities, ultimately contributing to the development of public policies and an improved legal framework for popular commerce.
A Plural Representation for Dialogue and Policy Building
The solemn installation session was led by Deputy Judith Vanegas Tapia, President of the Rural Development, Supply, and Food Distribution Commission of the local Congress. She welcomed the parliamentarians, emphasizing the diverse representation of popular commerce within the capital, including public markets, street markets, street vendors, rural producers, artisans, and representatives from civil organizations, cooperatives, and the social economy.
Deputy Vanegas underscored that the parliament’s objective extends beyond merely understanding the experiences of those involved in popular commerce. It aims to incorporate their proposals to fortify public policies and refine the legal framework governing this sector. “Today we gather in this Legislative Precinct to bring to life an exercise in citizen participation that recognizes the importance of popular commerce as a fundamental part of the economic and social life of Mexico City,” she stated.
A Historic Initiative for Popular Commerce
Deputy Xóchitl Bravo Espinosa highlighted that this marks the first parliament dedicated to popular commerce held within the capital’s Congress. The initiative originated from the idea of creating a reflective space to strengthen this activity, drawing directly from the insights and suggestions of those engaged in it.
“For the first time, in this chamber, the voices of our colleagues dedicated to popular supply will be heard. I want to tell you that this is the result of a long task that we began with many of you (the merchants) when we arrived at this Third Legislature,” affirmed the Coordinator of the MORENA Parliamentary Group.
Shifting Towards Dialogue and Responsibility
Deputy Diana Sánchez Barrios emphasized that this Parliament signifies a paradigm shift in the relationship between authorities and popular commerce practitioners. It moves away from a logic solely based on control and operations towards one founded on dialogue, responsibility, and the construction of public policies.
“The Mexico City Congress conceives this Parliament as a space to develop dialogues, working groups, review regulatory proposals, and analyze public policies related to coexistence in public spaces and the necessary democratic ordering of popular commerce,” she expressed.
Deputy Manuel Talayero stressed the importance of the “First Popular Commerce Parliament” being a genuine platform for participation and listening to merchants, acknowledging their daily efforts to support their families. Deputy Yolanda García added that while the Congress is responsible for legislating, it is the merchants who can provide the guidelines to ensure the effectiveness of relevant laws.
SEDECO’s Commitment to Economic Justice
Manola Zabalza Aldama, Head of the Ministry of Economic Development (SEDECO), recognized that popular commerce is not only a fundamental part of Mexico City but also embodies the aspiration for shared prosperity, economic justice, the fulfillment of economic rights, labor dignity, and social security.
Key Discussion Topics
As part of the Parliament’s agenda, participants will present proposals on various crucial topics, including:
- Strengthening popular commerce
- Ordering and regulation of public spaces
- Right to work
- Supply and distribution of food
- Economic development
- Social inclusion and non-discrimination
- Security and coexistence
The inauguration of the “First Popular Commerce Parliament of Mexico City 2026” represents a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for the city’s popular commerce sector.
Source: https://www.congresocdmx.gob.mx/comsoc-inauguran-primer-parlamento-comercio-popular-ciudad-mexico-2026-7801-1.html
