Teacher protests in Mexico could spoil the World Cup party
Key takeaways
- Just before the opening of the World Cup, host country Mexico faces a political tug-of-war.
- Over the past week, thousands of teachers have occupied the iconic Zocalo, or main square, blocked intersections and marched through the streets of the capital.
- On the Paseo de la Reforma (Promenade of the Reform), teachers tore down meter-tall statues of soccer stars that had been erected ahead of the World Cup, ripping the jerseys off the plastic players and burning them.
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
Just before the opening of the World Cup, host country Mexico faces a political tug-of-war. Striking teachers have occupied the central fan zone and have pledged to continue protesting.
https://p.dw.com/p/5Ezk GThe vandalized statue of a soccer player has been sprayed with: 'Long live the teachers' union!' Image: Henry Romero/REUTERSAdvertisement As Mexico City prepares to host the opening match of the World Cup on Thursday, teachers have pledged to continue their protests for increased wages and better labor conditions in the area surrounding the capital's legendary Estadio Azteca (Aztec Stadium) as part of a national strike announced June 1 by the CNTE education workers union, which is demanding a 100% pay-rise.
Over the past week, thousands of teachers have occupied the iconic Zocalo, or main square, blocked intersections and marched through the streets of the capital. Media report that security forces deployed tear gas against teachers who were attempting to occupy the Education Ministry.