Mexico City Merchants Demand End to CNTE Protest, Citing Severe Economic Losses

Merchants in Mexico City's Historic Center are demanding the immediate end to a protest camp set up by the National Union of Education Workers (CNTE). Gerardo López Becerra, president of ConComercio Pequeño, stated that businesses cannot endure the situation until June 10th and that the camp must be dismantled today. He explained that a business needs to sell an average of 15,000 pesos daily to cover operating expenses, highlighting the unsustainable nature of the prolonged protest. The merchants are experiencing significant uncertainty and have requested local authorities to establish an effective dialogue with the CNTE protesters. The CNTE's blockades have caused chaos in the mobility around 5 de Mayo street in the Historic Center for the second consecutive day. López Becerra emphasized that the goal is not a violent confrontation but an "effective and active dialogue." He criticized the CNTE for announcing the protest in advance without authorities addressing the issue. The economic impact has been severe, with businesses inside the protest perimeter experiencing sales losses of 90% to 100%, and those in adjacent areas seeing a 60% decrease. Raziel González, president of the Plaza Garibaldi business association, urged authorities to focus not only on dialogue with the CNTE but also on providing alternative routes for visitors to the Historic Center, ensuring people feel heard and safe.

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No vamos a aguantar hasta el 10 de junio, el plantón debe levantarse hoy