Brugada's heavy-handed approach: 36-hour arrest of "flanneleros" in Mexico City

Clara Brugada's administration has launched a direct offensive against "franeleros." A proposed reform to the Civic Culture Law seeks to impose 36-hour arrests without fines for those who reserve spaces or charge for parking on public streets in Mexico City.

In one of her first high-impact political moves, Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada has introduced an initiative seeking to eradicate one of the capital's most controversial and common practices: the control of public streets by "franeleros" or "viene-viene" (come-come) police.

The proposal, which has already been sent to the local Congress for discussion, modifies the Civic Culture Law to drastically toughen penalties, promoting a "heavy hand" to regain control of the streets.

The "Brugada Law": What Exactly Changes?

The reform focuses on classifying three types of conduct as clear and specific offenses that until now have been classified as a gray area of ​​the law:

* Reserve spaces on public roads using any type of object such as buckets, chairs, tires or cones.

* Obstruct the free use of public space for parking vehicles.

* Demanding, coercing, or intimidating a person to obtain payment in exchange for allowing parking or for "watching" the vehicle.

The key to the initiative lies in the penalty. The proposal establishes a 36-hour non-commutable arrest. This means that the offender cannot escape detention by paying a fine or performing community service, a measure designed to have a much greater deterrent effect. Additionally, if the conduct involves threats, violence, or theft of auto parts, the case will be referred to the Prosecutor's Office for investigation as a criminal offense, such as extortion or battery.

"In this city, public space is a right, not a commodity, nor should it be a privilege. And there is no public space more important, more vital, more democratic, and more everyday in its use than the streets," declared Clara Brugada when presenting the initiative.

The Dual Approach: Punishment, but also Support

Aware that many people turn to this activity out of economic necessity, the city government has proposed a two-pronged approach. Along with sanctions, support programs will be implemented through the Ministry of Labor and Employment Promotion. These programs will seek to offer formal employment alternatives and support for productive projects to those who abandon this illegal activity.

The initiative has sparked an intense political and social debate in the city. On the one hand, it is applauded by citizens and motorists tired of extortion and illegal street grabbing, who see the measure as a necessary step toward restoring order. On the other hand, it is criticized by sectors that consider it a policy of "criminalizing poverty," arguing that it attacks the symptom (informal employment) without addressing the underlying causes (lack of opportunities and inequality).

This reform is a clear political statement from the new Mexico City government. It addresses a highly visible problem that affects the daily quality of life of millions of residents, positioning the administration as a force determined to impose order. The success or failure of this "iron fist" will depend not only on its ability to implement it, but also on the effectiveness of its social programs in providing a dignified way out for those who currently see the street as their only source of income.