Background on the Issue and Participants
Coalitions in Mexico City have called for a second march against gentrification, set to take place on July 20, at 3:00 PM. This march, titled “Another March Against Gentrification,” will occur in the southern part of Mexico City, starting at the Fuentes Brotantes station on Metrobús Line 1 in Tlalpan and ending near the El Caminero station.
Civil organizations such as La Asamblea Ecologista Popular, El Frente Nacional por las 40 Horas, and the Frente Anti Gentrificación MX have joined this movement. This second call for action comes two weeks after the first protest in Condesa, which sparked controversy due to hostilities against several establishments in the area.
Context and Previous Incidents
The initial demonstration on July 4 aimed to address the housing crisis in various regions of Mexico City. Unfortunately, it was marred by vandalism, violence, and xenophobic expressions. In response, President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned these acts and pledged to collaborate with local authorities to regulate housing and prevent escalating costs in the capital.
Security Measures for the Second March
In preparation for the upcoming march, Mexico City’s Head of Government, Clara Brugada, announced on Tuesday that a new security protocol will be implemented to prevent violent incidents.
“In this city of rights and freedoms, diverse forms of population expression are welcome and respected. However, when these expressions include violence, they must be addressed with prevention rather than repression,” Brugada said during the presentation of a strategy for simplifying civil registry procedures in Mexico City.
Brugada revealed that on July 16, 14 measures will be unveiled to tackle the gentrification issue in the city.
Secretary of Governance’s Role
César Cravioto, the Secretary of Governance in Mexico City, explained that as part of the security protocol, authorities will communicate with organizers and deploy a support team.
“We will have a support team from the Government Secretariat, including human rights, political conciliation, and Governance General Directorate divisions. This team will engage with protesters to ensure their free expression without harming others,” Cravioto said.
Cravioto emphasized that the Human Rights Commission will participate in these efforts, and their interventions during the march will be recorded “to ensure our actions respect both liberties and human rights while safeguarding other citizens from harm to their persons or property.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of the second march against gentrification in Mexico City? The coalitions aim to address the housing crisis and prevent further escalation of costs in the capital.
- When and where will the march take place? The second march is scheduled for July 20 at 3:00 PM, starting at the Fuentes Brotantes station on Metrobús Line 1 in Tlalpan and ending near the El Caminero station.
- What security measures have been announced for the march? Authorities will implement a new security protocol, including communication with organizers and a support team to ensure peaceful expression without harming others or their property.
- What other initiatives are being taken to address gentrification? On July 16, 14 measures will be revealed to tackle the gentrification issue in Mexico City, with collaboration from the Human Rights Commission and other relevant authorities.
