The image of Andrés Manuel López Obrador has become a symbol in CDMX. His personality is cult-like in front of the National Palace.
Andrés Manuel López Obrador has not left… or not completely, because a little more than a week after leaving the Presidency and being seen for the last time at the presentation of the presidential sash, the cult of his personality continues in front of the National Palace.
Pejelandia is a stand that offers various items featuring the former president in his natural or caricatured form. It is located on the corner formed by the National Palace and the Cathedral and covers almost 10 meters of the sidewalk, with mobile toilets.
Despite that and the fact that street vendors are not allowed within the perimeter of the Zócalo, the capital authorities distance themselves from the fact.
El Financiero questioned –via transparency– the Government Headquarters, the Government Secretariat, the Historic Center Authority, and the Cuauhtémoc mayor’s office about the permit to operate this business.
The Government Headquarters and the Historic Center Authority asked to redirect the request to the Government Secretariat, but the latter assured that it “lacks authority” and is the responsibility of the mayors, and Cuauhtémoc said that it was the responsibility of those in charge of the Historic Center.
Armando Monter, creator of Pejelandia, said that the permit is unnecessary since it is not a profit-making brand. Still, rather it arose when the Morena supporters demonstrated against the Supreme Court.
“This is a movement of a large majority of the people, led by the Obradorista International Front, of which I am the president. I do not see why the Government of Mexico City wants to move us; we have proven this is nonprofit. We are a sit-in,” he said.
He added that Pejelandia gives work to 65 families. The profits –he added– are destined for poor communities or to help victims.
According to El Financiero, in the 40 minutes that the interview lasted, 15 people browsed through the products, of which 12 bought at least one item.
The most sought-after: Talking Amlito. It costs 500 pesos; however, in a smaller stand outside the Zócalo metro station, it is offered for 350 pesos.
His book Gracias, in “the pirate” version, costs 600 pesos, despite the fact that in bookstores the book is sold for 300 pesos. The rest of AMLO’s books are 250 pesos each.
Stuffed animals, key chains, wallets, tequila shot glasses, cups, earrings, purses, incense, and bottle openers are part of the inventory. The store also includes items from President Claudia Sheinbaum, but people are not attracted to them.
Sources: El Financiero / Milenio
