Striking teachers in Mexico City have vandalised giant mannequins of football players on the Paseo de la Reforma, tearing off their clothes and setting them on fire, just days before the city hosts its first World Cup match. The protesters, affiliated with the CNTE union, also set soccer balls alight and blocked main roads across the capital.
The teachers are demanding salary increases and the reversal of pension laws. They have threatened to disrupt the World Cup unless a solution is reached. On Tuesday, protesters gathered outside the interior ministry chanting, “If there is no solution, the ball won’t roll.”
The chaos follows clashes on Monday, when riot police reportedly used tear gas and rubber bullets against the teachers as they marched toward the Zócalo plaza. Five protesters were injured, including one who lost an eye, according to union leaders. Mexico City authorities have denied using rubber bullets or tear gas.
Union leader Filiberto Frausto criticised the government, saying, “This shows that the spaces of the people can be privatised at the whim and for the benefit of the large corporations behind this World Cup.” President Claudia Sheinbaum has insisted on dialogue, but acknowledged that budget constraints prevent meeting all demands.
Business owners in the historic centre fear economic losses from the protests. Gerardo López Becerra, head of the Concomercio business group, said up to 10,000 businesses could be affected. However, teachers vow to continue protesting. “It’s a moment for the world to know what kind of government we have,” said teacher Sergio Cruz.
