MEXICO CITY, CDMX – César Cravioto, Mexico City’s Government Secretary, offered a comprehensive overview of 2025, a year characterized by significant social tensions, numerous protests, and ongoing challenges in housing and informal commerce. Concurrently, the capital has been engaged in intensive preparations to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Cravioto underscored the critical role of continuous dialogue as a core strategy to maintain governability within the dynamic metropolis.
Challenges and Governance Strategies in 2025
Cravioto acknowledged that the primary challenge of 2025 was not a singular crisis, but rather the continuous management of a highly mobilized and diverse city. He highlighted the “Zócalo Ciudadano” initiative as a vital mechanism, enabling residents to directly present their concerns to officials. This policy of direct engagement, according to the Secretary, has been instrumental in preventing the escalation of social conflicts and ensuring that the government addresses citizens’ issues without delay.
Politically, while relations with the opposition remained stable for much of the year, Cravioto noted a turning point on November 15, following a demonstration in the Zócalo that involved provocative acts and interference from opposition figures. He stated that the government defended police actions taken to prevent greater disturbances.
First Year Achievements of the Current Administration
The Secretary detailed several achievements in fulfilling campaign promises during Clara Brugada’s first year in office. These include the launch of the “Utopías” social projects, the expansion of new Cablebús lines, the establishment of new secretariats, and the implementation of social programs such as ‘Desde la Cuna,’ ‘MERCOMUNA,’ and student transport support. Despite initial hurdles, Cravioto assessed that the government’s operational machinery has progressed “quite well.”
Housing Issues: Evictions and Gentrification
A particularly sensitive issue addressed was housing evictions. Cravioto reported the formation of a special cabinet to tackle this problem, which has led to the recovery of several properties and the halting of ongoing evictions. He also discussed the rise of gentrification and increasing housing costs, exacerbated by the impending World Cup.
In response, the government issued ‘Bando 1’ to regulate living costs, reiterating that rent increases should not exceed inflation. Efforts are underway to provide advice to tenants and landlords, establish discussions with temporary rental platforms, and create a guest registry. The Housing Institute (INVI) has a budget of nine billion pesos to invest in affordable housing, even in middle and upper-middle-class areas, to counteract market speculation.
Regarding the reconstruction efforts following the 2017 earthquake, Cravioto stated that progress is nearly 100% for multi-family homes and complete for single-family residences, with only a few cases pending due to internal conflicts or litigation among property owners.
Protests, Security, and Urban Order
Mexico City witnessed numerous large-scale mobilizations in 2025, some of which turned violent. Cravioto affirmed that the government guarantees peaceful protest but not violence. Protocols have been implemented for searching backpacks and detecting dangerous objects among masked groups. While official data indicates a reduction in crime rates, the Secretary admitted that the perception of insecurity remains a challenge, influenced by high-profile cases. He highlighted an increase in night operations to control entertainment venues.
Concerning informal commerce, particularly in the Historic Center and around the Azteca Stadium, Cravioto confirmed plans for a genuine and sustainable reduction, not solely driven by the World Cup. The strategy involves relocation to designated plazas and markets, with agreements already in place for the stadium area.
Mobility and the 2026 World Cup
Looking ahead to 2026, the administration plans three new Cablebús lines, investments in Metro Line 3, new bike lanes, and modernization of the Light Rail, in coordination with federal projects. The “great challenge,” Cravioto concluded, is to organize a World Cup that is socially and economically inclusive, featuring FanFests and activities across all 16 boroughs, assuring that Mexico City is “prepared” for major events.
Source: https://elcongresista.mx/politica/cesar-cravioto-balance-desafios-cdmx-2025-preparacion-mundial-2026/
