**Jubilados Accuse Baja California Government of Using “Fear Campaign” to Push Issstecali Reform**
Retired government employees and educators in Baja California have raised concerns about pressure tactics allegedly being used by state authorities under the leadership of the current governor to influence acceptance of proposed changes to the Issstecali, the Institute of Social Security and Services for Workers of the Government and Municipalities of Baja California.
Francisco Heredia Guzmán, a spokesperson for the retirees, pointed to inadequate medical infrastructure and a severe shortage of medications in the healthcare facilities managed by Issstecali as indicative of deliberate negligence. He argued that such actions are intended to create a climate of fear that will force retirees to accept the reforms without objection.
On October 30, images circulated showing empty shelves at Issstecali’s pharmacy, further fueling discontent among retirees. The governor has announced that meetings will soon be held to address the pension system’s issues, marking the first potential reforms since 2015. Meanwhile, the state’s finance secretary has warned that the current pension system is unsustainable, highlighting the discrepancy between contributions and retirement benefits.
The retirees, however, have vowed to protest the lack of necessary medications. They criticize the current expectation for patients to purchase their prescriptions, arguing it places an undue financial burden on them. Calling for better administration of Issstecali rather than a bailout, they demand accountability for mismanagement that has led to economic difficulties for the institute.
Legal advisor Guillermo Rivera underscored the necessity for reforms to address outstanding debts owed by municipalities to Issstecali, as these contribute significantly to its financial instability.
This controversy comes as retired teachers and bureaucrats, who feel they are being disregarded in discussions, advocate for not only their rights but also for the future of currently employed colleagues. In light of these issues, the retirees plan to hold forums to gather comprehensive feedback and strategize a more informed pushback against the proposed changes.
**Additional Topic: Major City Approves 2025 Budget Amid Local Tensions**
In related local governance developments, Tijuana’s city council has approved an ambitious budget of nearly 12.5 billion pesos for 2025. This announcement comes amid ongoing fiscal challenges in the region, affected by various factors, including the debated issues surrounding the Issstecali reform. The approved budget aims to address vital urban projects and infrastructure expansion to meet the growing needs of the citizenry in Tijuana. However, as discussions continue, residents and local officials remain divided on financial priorities, highlighting the complexities in balancing long-term sustainability with immediate community requirements.