Mexico City, August 28, 2026 – The Mexico City Congress officially launched the “First Popular Commerce Parliament of Mexico City 2026” this Friday. This significant event is designed to create an institutional space where various stakeholders in popular commerce, including street vendors, market tenants, tianguistas (market stallholders), and producers, can express their needs and contribute to the development of public policies and an improved legal framework for their activities.
Solemn Installation Ceremony at Donceles Legislative Precinct
The solemn installation session took place at the Donceles Legislative Precinct and was presided over by Deputy Judith Vanegas Tapia, President of the Rural Development, Supply, and Food Distribution Commission of the local Congress. Deputy Vanegas extended a warm welcome to all the parliamentarians.
She was accompanied by Deputies Xóchitl Bravo Espinosa, Diana Sánchez Barrios, and Yolanda García Ortega, as well as Deputy Manuel Talayero Pariente. The event also saw the presence of Manola Zabalza Aldama, Head of the Ministry of Economic Development (SEDECO), and other capital authorities.
A Plural Representation for Popular Commerce
In her address, Deputy Judith Vanegas emphasized that this Parliament boasts a diverse representation of the capital’s popular commerce sector. This includes public markets and tianguis, concentrations, fairs, street vendors, rural producers, artisans, and representatives from civil organizations, cooperatives, and the social economy.
She clarified that the objective of this gathering is not only to learn from the experiences of those involved in popular commerce but also to incorporate their proposals to strengthen public policies and enhance the legal framework in this area.
“Today, we gather in this Legislative Precinct to give life to 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,” Deputy Vanegas underscored.
A Groundbreaking Initiative for Dialogue and Policy Building
Deputy Xóchitl Bravo Espinosa highlighted that this is the first parliament on popular commerce held in the capital’s Congress. It was conceived as a forum for reflection to strengthen this activity based on the proposals of those dedicated to it.
“For the first time, in this tribune, the colleagues who are dedicated to popular supply will be heard. I want to tell you that this is the product of a long task that we began with many of you (the merchants) when we arrived at this Third Legislature,” emphasized the Coordinator of the MORENA Parliamentary Group.
Deputy Diana Sánchez Barrios noted that this Parliament represents a 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 stated.
Recognition of Effort and Expertise
Deputy Manuel Talayero emphasized the importance of the “First Popular Commerce Parliament” being a genuine space for participation and listening to merchants, recognizing their daily efforts to support their families. Meanwhile, Deputy Yolanda García considered that while it is the Congress’s role to legislate, it is the merchants who can provide the guidelines for effective laws in this area.
Manola Zabalza, Head of SEDECO, acknowledged that popular commerce is not only a fundamental part of Mexico City but also an aspiration for shared prosperity, economic justice, the fulfillment of economic rights, the dignity of labor, and social security.
Key Discussion Topics
As part of the Parliament’s work, participants will present proposals on various topics, including: strengthening popular commerce; ordering and regulating public spaces; the right to work; food supply and distribution; economic development; social inclusion and non-discrimination; and security and coexistence, among others.
