Mexican teachers protest!
Mexico City, Jun 2 (EFE).-
Teachers from the National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE in Spanish) blocked on Tuesday Reforma Avenue, one of Mexico City’s main thoroughfares, and toppled several statues of soccer players that had been erected for the 2026 World Cup.
To promote the World Cup, the Mexico City government installed several statues, some of which teachers marked with messages such as “If there is no solution, the ball won’t roll.”
Earlier, the teachers blocked traffic on Circuito Interior, one of Mexico City’s most important thoroughfares, causing traffic jams in the city.
Despite ongoing dialogue with the federal government, the teachers announced their intention to escalate the protests in response to the authorities’ “inaction.”
They are threatening to boycott the 2026 World Cup in Mexico if their demands for higher wages are not met.
On behalf of the Mexican government, Education Secretary Mario Delgado announced the start of working-level talks with CNTE representatives alongside Interior Minister Rosa Icela Rodríguez.
“We are fully committed to finding solutions to the teachers’ legitimate demands,” Delgado emphasized on social media.
As of Monday, thousands of teachers staged a protest that led to scuffles with police at the entrances to the Zócalo. Meanwhile, hooded individuals set off fireworks and banged on security barriers.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed on Tuesday the roundtable discussion but criticized Monday’s Zócalo protest, calling it “a provocation.” She noted that those who instigated the incidents were not teachers.
The protesters have warned that they could escalate their demonstrations during the 2026 World Cup, set to begin on Jun. 11 with an opening match at the Mexico City Stadium.EFE
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