Cancún, Quintana Roo — The inauguration of the Nichupté Vehicular Bridge, one of the most anticipated and costly infrastructure projects in recent years, turned into a platform for open political promotion over the weekend, drawing criticism from residents.
Although the event was presented as a celebration for the public, several aspiring candidates for the governorship of Quintana Roo and various municipal presidencies used the occasion to take photos with attendees, greet people, and later post the material on social media.
Among the most visible were Playa del Carmen Mayor Estefanía Mercado, Senator Anahí González, local deputy Renán Sánchez Tajonar, and Senator Eugenio Segura Vázquez. Other figures seeking candidacies for governor, mayor, or local deputy positions were also present.
Some residents expressed annoyance at the situation. “I came to see the bridge and enjoy time with my family, not to take photos with politicians. It looked like they were in full campaign mode. They were going from one side to another greeting people and asking for photos,” said a resident of Supermanzana 97 who asked not to be named.
Another attendee, a resident of Región 236, said: “It’s incredible that they can’t stop campaigning for even one day. This was an event to celebrate an important project with President Claudia Sheinbaum, not for them to promote themselves. Their interest in people seemed very fake.”
On social media, dozens of posts from candidates and their supporters flooded platforms with photos and videos of the event, using hashtags like #PuenteNichupté and personal promotional phrases. This drew critical comments from users who questioned the political use of a public work.
“Everyone who wants to be governor or mayor was there. It looked like they were competing to see who could take more photos with people. It’s sad that they turn even an inauguration into a campaign event,” a Facebook user wrote.
Some candidates denied campaigning, arguing they attended as guests and representatives of their positions. However, the volume of material posted on their official accounts and the coordinated presence of their support teams created a widespread perception that the event was used to position themselves ahead of the 2027 electoral process.
The inauguration of the Nichupté Bridge, which represents a significant improvement in Cancún’s mobility by connecting the city to the hotel zone more smoothly, was partially overshadowed by the political prominence sought by several candidates during the event.
