Background on the Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (CNTE)
The Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (CNTE) is a prominent teachers’ union in Mexico, representing thousands of educators across the country. Known for advocating teachers’ rights and interests, CNTE has been a significant force in Mexican education policy debates for decades.
CNTE’s Response to Claudia Sheinbaum’s Accusations
During a demonstration near the central offices of the Mexican Electoral Institute (INE), CNTE members urged President Claudia Sheinbaum to respect their movement and engage in dialogue. They refuted her claims that they aim to sabotage the upcoming judicial election on June 1st.
CNTE’s Stance on Political Affiliation
Ernesto Ramírez de Guerrero, a CNTE member, emphasized that the organization is entirely independent of political parties. He clarified: “The CNTE, CETEG, and all sections are trade union organizations, completely outside of political parties. We do not share any vision with political parties. We ask for respect, as this is a completely independent decision.”
CNTE’s Position on the Judicial Election
Pedro Hernández Morales, Secretary General of CNTE’s Section IX (Mexico City), stated that the union has no intention of boycotting the judicial election. He explained: “We have not declared a boycott, which would imply attempting to annul an election of a judicial power that we all recognize as corrupt and in need of profound change. Our own opinion on this process unfolding in the coming days is being shaped, and within our action plan, there is no specific situation outlined for June 1st.”
INE’s Precautionary Measures
In response to the demonstration, the Mexican Electoral Institute (INE) took precautionary measures by suspending all in-person activities at its main office in Viaducto Tlalpan. The entrances were secured early in the morning, and the area was cordoned off by approximately 200 police officers equipped with shields, alongside personnel from the capital’s Security City Department (SSC) and a Rhino vehicle.
Demonstration’s Conclusion
Due to the rain, CNTE members eventually left the protest site without any reported incidents or disruptions.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the CNTE? The Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (CNTE) is a prominent teachers’ union in Mexico, representing thousands of educators across the country.
- Why did CNTE members protest near the INE? They demanded President Claudia Sheinbaum respect their movement and engage in dialogue, refuting her accusations that they aim to sabotage the upcoming judicial election.
- What is CNTE’s stance on political parties? CNTE members emphasize that the organization is entirely independent of political parties, as stated by Ernesto Ramírez de Guerrero.
- Does CNTE intend to boycott the judicial election? According to Pedro Hernández Morales, CNTE has no intention of boycotting the judicial election. They aim to shape their opinion on the process as it unfolds.
- What precautionary measures did the INE take? In response to the demonstration, the INE suspended all in-person activities at its main office and secured entrances with approximately 200 police officers.
