Background on Claudia Sheinbaum and the CNTE
Claudia Sheinbaum, the current Head of Government (equivalent to Mayor) of Mexico City, made an appeal to the National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE) on Friday to prevent a boycott of the upcoming judicial election. The CNTE, a powerful teachers’ union, has been engaged in protests and strikes due to demands related to education reform.
Sheinbaum, known for her role in the administration of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, has been actively involved in addressing the concerns of various social groups, including educators. Her confidence stems from her belief that the CNTE will consult its members regarding the new official proposal and prioritize peace during the election on June 1st.
CNTE Protests and Government Response
During the “People’s Morning Press Conference,” Sheinbaum expressed optimism that the CNTE would present the new proposal to their base and acknowledged the extraordinary effort made by the Secretariat of Government (Gobernación) and the Secretariat of Public Education (SEP).
The CNTE and government representatives marched through the city center, causing significant traffic disruptions along major avenues such as Reforma and intersections with Bucareli and Ramos Arizpe streets.
In response, the Secretariat of Citizen Security (SSC) advised citizens to avoid the affected areas and use alternative routes, including:
- Eje Central Lázaro Cárdenas
- Eje 1 Norte
- Avenida José María Izazaga
- Eje 1 Oriente
- Fray Servando Teresa de Mier
Negotiations and Demands
On the previous Wednesday, federal government representatives presented a formal proposal to CNTE leaders. However, no agreement was reached as the teachers’ union deemed the document insufficient, repeating elements from previous proposals without meeting their demands.
The CNTE continues to insist on direct dialogue with Sheinbaum, despite her assertion that negotiations should be led by the Secretariat of Government alongside the heads of IMSS, ISSSTE, and SEP.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Claudia Sheinbaum? Claudia Sheinbaum is the Head of Government of Mexico City, serving as the equivalent of Mayor for the capital city. She has been actively involved in addressing social concerns, including those of educators.
- What is the CNTE? The National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE) is a powerful teachers’ union in Mexico that has been engaged in protests and strikes due to demands related to education reform.
- What is the issue with the judicial election? The CNTE has threatened to boycott the upcoming judicial election on June 1st, prompting Sheinbaum’s appeal for them to reconsider and prioritize peace during the voting process.
- What was the content of the new proposal presented to CNTE? The new proposal, presented by the Secretariats of Government and Public Education, was deemed insufficient by CNTE leaders as it reportedly repeated elements from previous proposals without addressing their key demands.
