Was a Mexican Mayor Tied to a Tree for Failing to Deliver Campaign Pledges?

Claims have been making rounds on social networks about a Mexican mayor being held accountable for failing to deliver his campaign promises. Shared in this article, the alleged mayor is seen tied to a tree, with a group of people surrounding him.

screenshot of https://mchaymaker.com/mexican-residents-tie-mayor-to-a-tree-after-failing-to-fufill-promises/

Background

Mexico is the second largest economy in Latin America. With a population of almost 130 million people, the World Bank says the country’s economy contracted by 8.3% during the first half of 2020. However, in 2021 it recovered. 

The country’s, poverty income is defined by $111 per month for rural residents and $170 for those in urban areas. Reuters further adds, “extreme poverty covers those earning less than the amount needed to buy basic food requirements or $63 monthly for those in rural areas and $88 for those in urban areas.”

Verification

An analysis of three different reverse image searches shows this image was popular on the internet between January 12 and February 17, 2021. The earliest results being an article by La Silla Rota shows the same image of the mayor tied to a tree. Attached to the municipality of Frontera Comalapa, Óscar Ramírez was accused of constructing a low quality storage tank.

More results lead to images posted on Twitter, on January 12, 2021. This incident occurred during the inauguration of projects promised to residents of 11 neighborhoods that make up the local city of Frontera Comalapa. The residents claim the water tank had holes at the bottom but was covered with concrete. In this video, one of the residents who climbed down to the base of this tank is seen scrapping the concrete to reveal its low quality. 

Verdict

YES, this Mexican mayor was tied to a tree for delivering a low-quality project. 

This story was produced by Africa Uncensored in partnership with Code for Africa with support from Deutsche Welle Akademie.

Add comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *