The region was surprised after the governor of Durango, Esteban Villegas, revealed his intentions to acquire part of the state of Chihuahua with the objective of expanding the trade of the entity that leads to an international market.
According to his words, the territory that has interested him the most for several months is located on the border between Mexico and the United States due to the connections that exist in the markets of both nations.
For this reason, he has repeatedly requested from his Chihuahua counterpart, María Eugenia Campos, the possibility of initiating a deal that allows them to reach an agreement in which both parties benefit since its main engine is the economy of Durango.
What is the governor requesting?
After announcing the news, Villegas highlighted that the most powerful reason for making this request is livestock because he seeks to support the sector dedicated to this activity by installing a quarantine station on the border of Chihuahua with the neighboring country.
From his perspective, it would be a project that would help the direct import and export of articles related to livestock, which could increase job creation in the area and, therefore, also provide a positive outlook for the state.
“I don’t know if the Chihuahua government will sell me a piece of what they already have or if I have to buy it from private individuals. They put tariffs on meat and they are going to get into a big problem in the United States, we are going to continue exporting, but it will cost them 25 percent more,” he warned at a conference.
In addition to this, the governor of Durango stressed that although in recent weeks the US government has established regulatory measures in commercial matters, for him it is not a reason to stop exports, so the state’s sellers will continue their work normally until further notice.
Is it possible for a governor to buy part of another state?
No, a governor of a state cannot buy territory from another state on his own account. The territory of the states is part of national sovereignty and is protected by the country’s constitution. However, there are legal mechanisms for changing borders between states, which usually include:
Conditions for modifying state borders
Approval of the states involved – Both the state that gives up territory and the one that receives it must agree to the transfer.
Approval of the National Congress or Parliament – In countries such as the US and Mexico, any territorial modification requires the approval of the National Congress.
Local referendum (in some cases) – It may be necessary for the affected population to vote on the change.
Legal and administrative justification – There must be valid reasons (economic, social, logistical) for the transfer of the territory.
In 1995, for example, there was an attempt to modify the boundaries between Campeche and Quintana Roo, but it was resolved in court, so there are no concrete precedents in our country. In short, a governor cannot purchase territory from another state on his own initiative, but a state can cede or exchange territory with legislative approval and, in some cases, a vote of the affected population.
Source: infobae
