The leader of Morena’s parliamentary group in Mexico City, Ricardo Monreal Ávila, announced that no end-of-year party had been planned for his group of legislators. However, they did gather at a restaurant in the Jardines del Pedregal neighborhood, where they exchanged gifts according to a message sent via WhatsApp.
Monreal had previously canceled a planned posada (a traditional Mexican Christmas celebration) for his party members, which was to be held at a restaurant in Polanco with a cost of 1,100 pesos per person. A deputy, Aniceto Polanco, denied the existence of such a celebration and stated that Morena deputies celebrate with austerity at home with their families.
Despite the denial, an invitation was circulated via WhatsApp to all Morena deputies, inviting them to a posada on December 12 at a restaurant in the Miguel Hidalgo neighborhood. The invitation was sent to 253 deputies, and 200 confirmed their attendance. The PRI’s coordinator, Rubén Moreira, suggested that Morena hurried the approval of the budget because they had a commitment the next day, hinting at the posada.
Some deputies expressed concerns about the posada, considering the location of the restaurant, the cost, and the general cutbacks in public spending. Despite the controversy, around 50 legislators, including deputy Juan Carlos Irma, vice-coordinator Gabriela Jiménez, and others, attended the posada, exchanging gifts and participating in a gift raffle.
Title: Mexican Lawmakers from Morena Party Gather at a Restaurant in Southern Mexico City
Subtitle: A casual meeting sparks curiosity and debate
In an unexpected turn of events, a group of legislators from the ruling Morena party in Mexico gathered for a meal at a restaurant located in the southern part of Mexico City. The gathering, which took place last week, was not a scheduled event and was brought to light through social media posts by some of the attendees.
The restaurant, a popular local establishment known for its traditional Mexican cuisine, was filled with Morena lawmakers who were seen enjoying each other’s company over food and drinks. The informal gathering has sparked curiosity and debate among political analysts and the general public alike.
While the meeting was not an official event, some political experts have suggested that such casual get-togethers can serve as opportunities for legislators to discuss political strategies, upcoming legislation, and party dynamics in an informal setting. However, others have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest or impropriety, given that the legislators are entrusted with representing the public interest.
The Morena party, led by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, has been in power since 2018. The party’s slogan, "For the benefit of all, the good of all," reflects its commitment to social justice and equality. However, the party has faced criticism in recent months over allegations of corruption and internal divisions.
In response to the gathering, a spokesperson for the Morena party emphasized that the meeting was a private event and that the legislators were free to meet and socialize in their personal time. However, the spokesperson also acknowledged that the party is committed to transparency and accountability, and that any allegations of impropriety would be investigated thoroughly.
As the investigation into the gathering continues, political analysts will be watching to see if this event signals a shift in the Morena party’s dynamics or if it is merely a casual get-together among colleagues. In either case, the incident has served as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in politics, especially in a country like Mexico, where corruption has long been a persistent challenge.
In the meantime, the restaurant where the legislators gathered has reported a surge in business, with many patrons expressing their curiosity about the high-profile diners and their desire to experience the same culinary delights that brought them together. The restaurant’s owners have welcomed the increased attention, citing it as a testament to the power of food to bring people together, regardless of their political affiliations.
