Mayor Estefanía Mercado led the first citizen forum this weekend to discuss a constitutional reform initiative proposing to change the municipality’s name from Solidaridad to Playa del Carmen.
The proposal aims to strengthen municipal identity and eliminate references to the “Solidaridad” program implemented during former President Carlos Salinas de Gortari’s administration. Speaking to over 300 citizens gathered at the Villas del Sol park dome, Mayor Mercado emphasized the importance of this change for the municipality’s identity and promotion.
“Playa del Carmen is a name recognized worldwide and nationally. With this proposal, we not only seek to reinforce our history and restore this fishing village’s identity but also to erase the last remnants of a regime that used the concept of Solidaridad for political propaganda,” said Mercado.
Accompanied by City Council General Secretary Luis Herrera Quiam, cabinet officials, and Council members, Mayor Mercado stressed that the decision would be submitted to public consultation, ensuring residents themselves would decide the municipality’s name. “For the first time, the people will be consulted on what they want,” she added.
The proposal also considers that most national and international tourists recognize the destination as Playa del Carmen rather than Solidaridad (a concept co-opted by neoliberalism). Thus, the name change could enhance promotion and positioning at a global level.
During the forum, citizens such as José Serrato, Miriam Salgado, Mónica Argueta, and Susana Yam expressed their views and asked questions about the impact of the name change. The mayor and her team provided information about the benefits the reform would bring.
The next citizen forums will be held on February 5 in the Colosio neighborhood, on February 13 at the Puerto Aventuras City Hall, and on February 15 at the “Xaman Ha” City Theater. With citizen support, the proposal will then be sent to the XVIII Legislature of the State Congress for analysis and potential approval.
Source: Cancun Mio
