CNTE denounces repression ahead of CDMX Stadium march; warns of 'false transformation' regime

Representatives of Mexico's CNTE teachers' union have accused federal and local authorities of repression and harassment as they attempted to march towards the CDMX Stadium. The union is demanding the repeal of the 2007 ISSSTE law, which they argue negatively impacts teacher pensions.

Elvira Veleces, a leader of the CETEG faction, reported that her phone was destroyed when she was detained in the southern part of Mexico City. Yenni Pérez Martínez, representing Section 22 Oaxaca, stated that all CNTE representatives have faced harassment, and CETEG teachers were met with repression in Acoxpa. "We have faced repression, harassment, political persecution against those of us who represent the different contingents of the CNTE," Pérez Martínez declared at a press conference. She added, "Any situation of violence or repression will be the responsibility of the Federal Government and the government of Mexico City, which is harassing us in the activities we are promoting today."

The teachers had planned to gather at the Calzada de Tlalpan, near the Hotel Real del Sur, but police reportedly blocked their path to the Estadio Azteca. Despite the alleged obstacles, Pérez Martínez confirmed that the CNTE would resume negotiation tables at the Ministry of the Interior. However, she stressed that they would not accept the government's previous proposals, particularly regarding the transfer of teachers' retirement funds (afores) to PensionISSSTE.

"Today there is a call from the Federal Government to attend a meeting in the Ministry of the Interior, undoubtedly we do not want to hear the same answers we have had so far," Pérez Martínez stated. "We show once again the political will of the CNTE to attend this meeting, but also, if there are no favorable responses, the movement itself in the assembly spaces, discussion and analysis will do what is corresponding, we will continue in this fight until we have favorable responses."

Mario Roldán, representing Section 40 Chiapas, issued a stern warning to President Claudia Sheinbaum, stating that if she fails to fulfill her promise to repeal the ISSSTE law, "this regime of false transformation will be remembered by us forever." He referenced past strikes, noting that the CNTE "loves to break records," and urged the government to "think twice, attend to us, do not lie to us, and keep their word." Martín Martínez Contreras of Section Guanajuato also criticized Sheinbaum and former President López Obrador for not fulfilling their promises regarding the repeal of educational reforms.