Sen. Félix Salgado Macedonio said he pays individuals 500 pesos [1] to provide political cheering during events in the state of Guerrero.
This acknowledgment raises questions about the nature of political gatherings in the region and the distinction between organic public support and paid attendance. The admission comes as the senator continues to engage with constituents through a series of assemblies.
Salgado Macedonio said the events he organizes in Guerrero are not electoral rallies. Despite this characterization, he confirmed the practice of paying for "porras políticas," or political cheerleaders, to ensure a supportive atmosphere during his appearances [1].
The payment of 500 pesos [1] per person is intended to secure applause and vocal support. This practice is a point of contention in Mexican regional politics, where the authenticity of crowd sizes often becomes a subject of public debate.
Salgado Macedonio said these gatherings serve a different purpose than traditional campaign rallies. He continues to navigate the political landscape of Guerrero while managing his public image and the perceptions of his support base [1].
The senator's transparency regarding the cost of these supporters is unusual for political figures in the region. While many officials attempt to project an image of spontaneous popularity, the direct admission of payment provides a specific numerical value to the cost of political theater in Guerrero [1].
“Salgado Macedonio said the events he organizes in Guerrero are not electoral rallies.”
The admission of paying for political support suggests a strategic use of 'manufactured' enthusiasm to create an illusion of widespread popularity. By denying that the events are formal rallies, the senator may be attempting to bypass specific electoral regulations while still benefiting from the visual and auditory impact of a cheering crowd.
