Background on Claudia Sheinbaum and the CNTE
Claudia Sheinbaum is the current Head of Government (similar to a mayor) of Mexico City, serving since 2018. She is a prominent figure in the left-wing Morena party and has been an advocate for education reform and social justice. The National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE) is a powerful union representing teachers in Mexico, known for its strong stance on educational and political issues.
CNTE’s Call to Boycott Judicial Election
On Monday, Sheinbaum criticized the CNTE’s call for a boycott of the upcoming judicial election, comparing their stance to that of conservative groups. The judicial election is scheduled for the upcoming Sunday, and the CNTE has organized protests targeting the Instituto Nacional Electoral (INE).
Sheinbaum Questions CNTE’s Shift in Focus
The Mexico City leader questioned the relevance of the CNTE’s demands, such as the repeal of the 2007 ISSSTE law, to the electoral process. Sheinbaum expressed concern that the teacher’s movement has deviated from its original educational demands to engage in political protests.
Sheinbaum Defends Judicial Reform Consultation
Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of the judicial reform consultation as a “majority decision by the Mexican people” and insisted that it would not be halted despite attempts at sabotage. She criticized those who oppose the reform, labeling them as similar to conservative groups and more radical elements.
CNTE Denies Rupture in Dialogue
The CNTE’s protest day followed the cancellation of a meeting with Sheinbaum, which the coordination deemed as a breakdown in dialogue and negotiation. CNTE leaders announced blockades and demonstrations at various locations in Mexico City, including strategic access points like the Aeropuerto Internacional (AICM).
Government Calls for Dialogue Amidst Tensions
In response to escalating tensions, the Secretaría de Gobernación (Segob) and the Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP) reiterated their call for dialogue with the CNTE. Both institutions aim to resolve the teachers’ strike affecting approximately 7% of schools nationwide.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the issue at hand? The CNTE has called for a boycott of the upcoming judicial election, which Sheinbaum criticizes as similar to conservative stances.
- What are the CNTE’s demands? The CNTE seeks the repeal of the 2007 ISSSTE law and other educational reforms, which Sheinbaum questions as relevant to the judicial election.
- Why is there tension between Sheinbaum and the CNTE? The cancellation of a meeting between Sheinbaum and CNTE leaders led to protests, which Sheinbaum views as violent and outside the bounds of peaceful dialogue.
- What is the government’s response to the tensions? The Segob and SEP have called for continued dialogue with the CNTE to resolve the teachers’ strike affecting Mexican schools.
