Quintana Roo Legislators Propose Minor Reforms Amid Environmental and Political Controversies

Chetumal, Mexico — Quintana Roo legislators have proposed several constitutional and legal reforms during the latest legislative session, focusing on anti-corruption measures, housing definitions, cultural heritage, and cybercrime. However, critics argue these proposals represent superficial changes rather than substantive policy initiatives addressing the state’s pressing issues.

During the seventh session of the Permanent Commission of the XVIII Legislature, lawmakers presented initiatives to reform existing articles of the state constitution and penal code. One proposal seeks to modify Article 161 of the Quintana Roo Constitution to include the chair of the Anti-Corruption, Citizen Participation and Autonomous Organs Commission and the head of the State Financial Intelligence Unit in the Coordinating Committee of the State Anti-Corruption System.

Another initiative aims to harmonize the concept of adequate housing in the state constitution with federal standards by amending Article 13. Legislators also read a proposal to declare the annual Patronal Festival dedicated to the Virgin of Carmen in Playa del Carmen as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Quintana Roo.

Additionally, lawmakers proposed adding Article 130 quinquies to Article 78 Bis of the Quintana Roo Penal Code to establish that sexual cyberharassment crimes have no statute of limitations.

Environmental Violations Continue in Mahahual

Mahahual, Mexico — The environmental controversy surrounding Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day Mahahual project has intensified after the civil association Defending the Right to a Healthy Environment (Dmas) accused the cruise line of continuing demolition work, debris accumulation, and vegetation removal despite a closure order from the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa).

Dmas shared videos on social media showing heavy machinery, including mechanical shovels, operating within the project site, along with extensive areas of devastated vegetation. The footage also shows workers, additional equipment, and warning signs labeling the area as a “demolition zone,” which the organization says demonstrates ongoing activities.

The civil association accused developers of continuing to remove jungle vegetation and manage debris without necessary environmental permits and in open violation of the closure imposed by Profepa on January 30. Dmas stated these actions worsen environmental damage and may constitute contempt of federal authority.

Profepa imposed the closure after documenting unauthorized demolition work, infrastructure dismantling, debris collection without environmental impact authorization, and the filling and compaction of a rustic road in an area of low jungle with mangrove presence. The federal agency determined the affected area exceeds 17,000 square meters within an inspected area of more than 79,000 square meters.

Evidence collected during the inspection confirmed the activities were not previous events but were ongoing at the time, with heavy machinery operating and personnel performing demolition and material movement tasks.

Cozumel Mayor Faces Continued Disapproval

Cozumel, Mexico — Cozumel Mayor José Luis Chacón Méndez continues to face significant public disapproval despite a slight improvement in his approval ratings, according to recent polling data.

A January 2026 survey by Demoscopia Digital found Chacón Méndez has a 50.3% approval rating, with 49.7% disapproval. While this represents a slight increase from his 46.8% rating in December 2025, it remains below passing territory and indicates continued majority dissatisfaction.

The mayor’s highest approval rating during his 2024-2027 administration has been 58.8%, meaning he has never surpassed 60% approval among Cozumel residents according to polling data.

Citizens cite accusations of opacity in resource management, unfinished public works, and perceptions that the mayor governs with privileges while the population faces shortages. January 2026 also saw a concerning spike in insecurity, with at least nine vehicles intentionally set on fire in different neighborhoods, generating fear among residents and highlighting perceived failures in municipal security strategy.