Overview
- Thousands of CNTE teachers launched a national strike on June 1 and have maintained an encampment in the Zócalo that has blocked major streets and disrupted access to fan zones and tourist routes.
- The CNTE demands a 100% pay rise and reversals to pension rules while the Sheinbaum administration says that level of raise is fiscally impossible and has offered much smaller increases and a pension-administration proposal.
- Protest tactics have included marches, attempts to occupy the Education Ministry, and the tearing down and burning of World Cup statues on Paseo de la Reforma, prompting police to use tear gas during dispersals.
- Organizers and event planners have already altered operations—FIFA called off a volunteer training on the square—and Mexico City's chamber of commerce says the center's business losses total nearly €20 million.
- President Claudia Sheinbaum has ruled out a heavy-handed crackdown and pursued talks even as officials report the seizure of 59 improvised devices on a bus convoy and CNTE leaders consider extending actions toward Estadio Azteca.