Background on Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo and the CNTE
Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, the head of Mexico City’s government and a prominent figure in the left-leaning Morena party, recently addressed the Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (CNTE) over their threat to boycott upcoming judicial elections. The CNTE, a powerful teachers’ union, has been vocal about their grievances and demands for social and educational reforms.
CNTE’s Demands and Sheinbaum Pardo’s Response
The CNTE has expressed dissatisfaction with the Mexican government’s policies, specifically targeting the 2007 ISSSTE law. They argue that their demands for its repeal should not be linked to the upcoming judicial elections. Sheinbaum Pardo drew parallels between the CNTE’s stance and that of right-wing political groups, suggesting that both aim to undermine the electoral process.
Sheinbaum Pardo’s Stance on Teacher Protests
During her regular press conference at Palacio Nacional, Sheinbaum Pardo clarified that there would be no repression against teachers protesting in Mexico City since June 15. The protests have led to a 9.8% impact on school operations, with the southeastern states, particularly Oaxaca, being most affected.
CNTE’s Next Steps and Leaders’ Responses
Pedro Hernández, the general secretary of CNTE’s Section 9 in Mexico City, stated that the dissident teachers’ assembly had not yet decided on specific actions for June 1 to boycott the election of ministers, magistrates, and judges. Isael González Vázquez, the leader of CNTE’s Section 7 in Chiapas, rejected Sheinbaum Pardo’s comparison of discontented teachers to right-wing politicians.
CNTE Leaders’ Counterarguments
González Vázquez emphasized that the CNTE remains politically independent and defends rights regardless of the ruling party. He criticized Sheinbaum Pardo for associating teachers with corrupt politicians, stating that the CNTE has historical significance and will continue to advocate for its causes.
Ongoing Protests and Targeted Institutions
Despite Sheinbaum Pardo’s stance, CNTE members continued to block roads, avenues, and access to institutions such as the Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP), the Servicio de Administración Tributaria (SAT), and the INE.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the CNTE’s main grievance? The CNTE is primarily concerned with the repeal of the 2007 ISSSTE law, which they believe negatively impacts teachers’ retirement benefits.
- How has the CNTE’s protest affected schools? The protests have led to the temporary closure of 9.8% of schools, with southeastern states, especially Oaxaca, being the most affected.
- What are the CNTE’s plans for the upcoming judicial elections? As of now, the CNTE has not decided on specific actions to boycott the elections scheduled for June 1.
- How has Sheinbaum Pardo responded to the CNTE’s stance? Sheinbaum Pardo has criticized the CNTE for aligning their demands with right-wing political groups and attempting to undermine the judicial election process.
- What is the CNTE’s political stance? The CNTE maintains its political independence and asserts that it defends teachers’ rights regardless of the ruling party.
