Overview of Major Protests
Mexico City is set to experience a busy day of protests on Friday, May 23rd, with at least 22 demonstrations planned that could affect traffic in several boroughs. The Secretaría de Seguridad Ciudadana (SSC) has warned of possible roadblocks on primary roads and advises citizens to plan their travels in advance.
Key Protests
Throughout the day, various collectives and social organizations will gather at different locations across the city to protest for diverse causes:
- Colectivo Hasta Encontrarles: They will assemble at the Chabacano Metro station, heading towards the Ajusco area in Tlalpan to continue search efforts for missing persons.
- ANAM Workers: Employees of the National Customs Agency of Mexico will set off in a caravan from the Azcapotzalco customs office to their headquarters on Paseo de la Reforma, denouncing irregularities in goods retention and demanding respect for their labor rights.
- Deconstrucción Violeta A.C.: This feminist organization will demand justice in a case of child sexual abuse, advocating for a trial with a child rights and human rights perspective. Their gathering will take place at the Reclusorio Oriente.
CNTE Continues Pressure with Crucial Protests
One of the most significant actions will be from the National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE), maintaining a presence throughout the day near the Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México (AICM) and leading a demonstration in front of Palacio Nacional at 12:00 PM.
Their demands include the repeal of the 2007 ISSSTE Law, elimination of individual pension accounts, a 100% salary increase, and improved labor conditions. Authorities have not ruled out possible blockages at key access points.
President Sheinbaum’s Stance on CNTE Protests
On Friday, President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected the idea of a direct meeting with CNTE members, despite their protests in the capital. She reiterated that dialogue with the dissident teachers would continue through the Secretary of Government and Education.
During the morning conference at Palacio Nacional, Sheinbaum criticized recent CNTE protests, pointing out that a meeting with federal officials was already scheduled. She questioned the blockages and attacks on journalists during the demonstrations, stating, “We support freedom of expression, but why do they cause all this if they already knew there would be a meeting?”
Despite the tensions, Sheinbaum reaffirmed her commitment to dialogue and emphasized that the communication channel remains open at the highest level. “We do not reject dialogue; there is a proposal on the table. I fully trust the secretaries, and they will continue this work,” she concluded.
Multiple Metro Stations Closed on Friday Due to CNTE Protests
The Sistema de Transporte Colectivo (STC) Metro of Mexico City operates with closures at several stations due to CNTE protests, causing confusion among users who were not previously informed about the disruptions.
- Blvd. Puerto Aéreo (Line 1), Terminal Aérea, Hangares y Oceanía (Line 5)
- Oceanía on Line B
The Zócalo-Tenochtitlan (Line 2) station remains closed due to the teachers’ ongoing protest at Constitution Square. Alternative routes to reach the Historic Center include Pino Suárez and Allende (L2), San Juan de Letrán (L8), or Bellas Artes (L2 and L8).
Other City Activities
- Frente Alimentario Estudiantil (FAE): At 12:00 PM, they will host the “Festival por los Comedores Subsidiados” at Las Islas de Ciudad Universitaria, demanding dignified and accessible food for the entire student community with support from student collectives and social organizations.
- Mercadita Feminista: An event to highlight economic violence against women in Milpa Alta.
- SUTIEMS: A labor union demonstration will take place in front of the Dirección Ejecutiva de Administración y Finanzas in Cuauhtémoc. They demand a 30% salary increase, retabulation of administrative personnel, and improvements to the collective agreement.
Tlalpan – Rodada “La Biker Circus”: Extrem Biker’s will depart from Calzada Acoxpa, heading towards the Monumento a la Revolución for a recreational and protest activity.
The SSC encourages the population to stay informed, check alternative routes, and plan their travels ahead to avoid inconveniences caused by protests, blockages, and mass events.
