Background on Claudia Sheinbaum and the CNTE
Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, the current President of Mexico City and a prominent member of the Morena party, has been actively involved in education reform and public policy. As the head of the local government, she has also assumed responsibilities related to education at the federal level. The Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (CNTE) is a powerful union representing teachers in Mexico, known for advocating teachers’ rights and influencing educational policies.
Recent Developments and the Invitation for Dialogue
On Tuesday, Claudia Sheinbaum made a renewed call for the CNTE to engage in dialogue with the federal government. She stated that the Secretaría de Gobernación (Segob) had formally invited the CNTE via written communication. The call for dialogue comes after teachers affiliated with the CNTE initiated a strike and protests, targeting government installations, the National Electoral Institute (INE), media outlets, and other public institutions.
Context of the Protests
The protests were sparked by the teachers’ opposition to the 2007 ISSSTE law and their demand for direct negotiation with President Claudia Sheinbaum. The dissident teachers have been blocking access to public buildings and media organizations since early Monday, 26 May, as part of their national action plan. These protests have intensified an ongoing teachers’ strike that began on 15 May in Mexico City’s Zócalo, alongside recent demonstrations like the one at Benito Juárez International Airport on 23 May, which disrupted numerous passengers.
Sheinbaum’s Response and Invitation
During her daily press conference, Sheinbaum Pardo emphasized that the door for dialogue remains open, specifically mentioning the upcoming opportunity on 28 May. She questioned the relevance of targeting the INE, stating that it is unrelated to their demand for revoking the 2007 law. Sheinbaum Pardo highlighted that if the CNTE chooses not to engage in dialogue, it would be a contradiction of their stated desire for discussion.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Claudia Sheinbaum? Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo is the current President of Mexico City and a key figure in the Morena party, actively involved in education reform and public policy at both local and federal levels.
- What is the CNTE? The Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (CNTE) is a powerful teachers’ union in Mexico, known for advocating teachers’ rights and influencing educational policies.
- Why are the teachers protesting? The teachers are protesting against the 2007 ISSSTE law and demanding direct negotiation with President Claudia Sheinbaum.
- What is the current status of dialogue between CNTE and the government? Despite the invitation from the Secretaría de Gobernación for dialogue, the CNTE has chosen not to attend scheduled meetings, leading to ongoing protests and strikes.
