Mexico City's mayor, Claudia Sheinbaum, has been met with backlash over her decision to paint murals of the World Cup mascot, a purple axolotl, on city streets. The move, aimed at beautifying the city ahead of the international football tournament, has been criticised as a waste of resources by locals and experts alike.
Manuel Martínez, a resident of Mexico City, told our correspondent that he had seen multiple murals of the axolotl in recent weeks, including one that morning. 'It's just a distraction from the real issues our city faces,' he said.
The axolotl, a rare amphibian native to Mexico, has become a symbol of the city's commitment to environmental conservation. However, critics argue that the city's priorities should be focused on addressing pressing issues such as poverty, infrastructure, and public safety.
The controversy has sparked a heated debate over the city's use of funds and priorities. 'This is a clear example of the mayor's lack of focus on the real needs of our city,' said opposition leader, Ricardo Monreal.
The World Cup is set to take place in Mexico City in June, and the city's authorities have promised to invest heavily in infrastructure and security measures. However, the axolotl murals have become a symbol of the city's misprioritisation of resources.
The backlash has sparked a wider discussion over the role of public art in urban planning and the allocation of city funds. As Mexico City prepares to host the World Cup, the controversy is likely to continue.