Valentín Lavín Romero, the mayor of Temoac in Morelos, Mexico, has formally requested a temporary separation from his position following a serious attack on January 31, during which he was shot at by unknown assailants. He announced this decision via a personal statement on his Facebook account, explaining that he needs time to recover from his injuries. He did not provide any updates regarding the health of his wife, who was present in the vehicle during the incident.

The attack on Lavín is not an isolated incident and underscores the increasing violence in the region, particularly involving local officials and their families. Over the last four years, Temoac has experienced a worrying trend of violence linked to organized crime, with Lavín himself becoming a focal point of these criminal activities. This alarming situation raises concerns about the safety of public officials in areas affected by such violence and highlights the broader issue of security in Morelos.

Lavín's request for leave, prompted by his need for recovery, may impact local governance and politics in Temoac, especially as the municipality has been struggling with crime-related issues. Authorities must address the root causes of this violence to ensure the safety of not just politicians but also the citizens they serve, indicating a pressing need for effective law enforcement and community support initiatives in violent-afflicted areas.