Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Mexico City Mayor Gives Free Viagra to Elderly

Among other bizarre pre-election tactics

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 13, 2009 9:24 AM CST

(Newser) – Mexico City’s sexagenarians are getting their groove on, and it’s all thanks to Mayor Marcelo Ebrard, the New York Times reports. With July's elections looming, Ebrard has rolled out a swathe of unconventional programs to improve the city’s quality of life, none more talked about than a program that doles out free Viagra to poor men aged 60 and up.

“Everyone has the right to be happy,” the mayor reasons. “A society that doesn’t care for its senior citizens has no dignity.” Whether or not the pills—or other stunts, like dumping sand at public pools to make artificial beaches, or turning the central square into the world’s biggest ice skating rink—clinch the election for Ebrard, some voters are definitely grateful. “Things have changed,” says one blushing 74-year-old. “Now, I’m able to fulfill my wife.”

Mexico City's Mayor Manuel Ebrard, left, leaves the offices of the Public Safety Department followed by his former police chief, Joel Ortega.
Mexico City's Mayor Manuel Ebrard, left, leaves the offices of the Public Safety Department followed by his former police chief, Joel Ortega.   (AP Photo)
Mexico City's  Mayor Marcelo Ebrard speaks during a press conference in Mexico City, Tuesday, July 8, 2008.
Mexico City's Mayor Marcelo Ebrard speaks during a press conference in Mexico City, Tuesday, July 8, 2008.   (AP Photo/ Eduardo Verdugo)
398861 01: Pills of the drug Lipitor (R) made by Warner-Lambert, and Viagra (L) made by Pfizer, are shown in this file photo.
398861 01: Pills of the drug Lipitor (R) made by Warner-Lambert, and Viagra (L) made by Pfizer, are shown in this file photo.   (Getty Images)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
riffran
Feb 15, 2009 2:54 AM CST
thats imagery I could live without.....too dang funny mak...rofl...*clap clap clap*
Caps
Feb 12, 2009 11:31 PM CST
I bet they are having a very good time.
mak
Feb 12, 2009 10:34 PM CST
nothing says quality of life like an old man erection! got to love mexico!

More Newser Stories

15 Tons of Meth Seized in Mexico

There Were 2 Crazy Plots to Smuggle Out Gadhafi's Son

Texan Missionaries Slain in Mexico

Romney Keeps Touting Dad's Mexican Birth

Cops Ticket Kid in Toy Motorcycle Accident


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne