Background on Claudia Sheinbaum and the CNTE
Claudia Sheinbaum is the current head of government in Mexico City, serving as the mayor since 2018. Previously, she was Mexico’s Secretary of Environmental Affairs and Sustainable Development from 2012 to 2018. Sheinbaum is a prominent figure in Mexican politics, known for her work in environmental and social issues.
The Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (CNTE) is a labor organization representing teachers in Mexico. It has been active since the 1970s, advocating for educators’ rights and interests. The CNTE has frequently engaged in protests and strikes to voice their concerns, particularly regarding education reforms and funding.
Incident at the National Palace
On the specified date, teachers from the CNTE attempted to break through metal barriers surrounding the National Palace in Mexico City. This action was part of their 48-hour strike plan, which included setting up a permanent protest site at the Congress building.
Sheinbaum’s Response
Following the confrontation between teachers and the Secretariat of Security Ciudadana (SSC), Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the situation during her morning press conference.
“Dialogue has always been open,” Sheinbaum Pardo stated. “We have had working tables in Oaxaca, Chiapas, and all states,” she added, emphasizing that there have been numerous supports for teachers, educators, and students.
CNTE’s Demands
The teachers, originating from Oaxaca, Chiapas, Zacatecas, and Mexico City, demanded the abrogation of the ISSSTE Ley 2007 and the reinstallation of dialogue with the federal executive as part of their 48-hour national struggle campaign.
Sheinbaum Questions CNTE’s Timing
Sheinbaum also questioned the necessity of the teachers’ mobilization, especially just two days before the planned march by the Generación Z, which is set to take place in the Historic Center on November 15.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Claudia Sheinbaum? Claudia Sheinbaum is the current head of government in Mexico City, serving as the mayor since 2018. She has a background in environmental and social issues, previously holding positions such as Mexico’s Secretary of Environmental Affairs and Sustainable Development from 2012 to 2018.
- What is the CNTE? The Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (CNTE) is a labor organization representing teachers in Mexico. It has been active since the 1970s, advocating for educators’ rights and interests through protests and strikes.
- What were the teachers’ demands? The teachers demanded the abrogation of the ISSSTE Ley 2007 and the reinstallation of dialogue with the federal executive as part of their 48-hour national struggle campaign.
- Why did Sheinbaum question the CNTE’s mobilization timing? Sheinbaum questioned the necessity of the teachers’ mobilization, especially given that it coincided with the planned march by Generación Z just two days later.
