On August 4, 2025, the Mérida City Council dismissed five public officials following multiple citizen complaints and confirmed acts of corruption. The announcement was made by Mayor Cecilia Patrón Laviada during her weekly press conference, where she emphasized her administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
The officials were primarily involved in the Urban Development department, where they were found to have demanded bribes—commonly referred to as “mordidas”—in exchange for issuing irregular permits. These unethical practices disrupted the city’s planning processes and undermined public trust. In addition to the five dismissals, eight other employees were formally sanctioned for related misconduct.
Mayor Patrón Laviada praised the role of citizen participation in uncovering these violations. She noted that many of the complaints were accompanied by concrete evidence, which enabled swift and decisive action. “We are not exempt from making mistakes, but if you help us by reporting them, we can move toward a more orderly and honest Mérida,” she stated.
The mayor also reiterated her administration’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, urging residents to continue reporting any irregularities they encounter. She stressed that public service should be about serving the community—not personal gain—and called for collective efforts to ensure responsible urban development.
This crackdown marks a significant step in Mérida’s ongoing fight against corruption and highlights the importance of civic engagement in holding public officials accountable.
Source: El Universal
