Mexico City risks becoming 'global laughingstock' if Fan Fest canceled, warns PAN

Mexico City risks becoming a "laughingstock" if the planned World Cup Fan Fest in the Zócalo is canceled, according to the local PAN party. The event, slated to begin on June 11, faces potential cancellation due to ongoing protests by teachers from the National Union of Education Workers (CNTE), whose demands have not been met by authorities.

Federico Döring, spokesperson for PAN CDMX, stated that it would be a "disgrace for national and foreign tourism" if the Zócalo, the most iconic location in the host country, cannot host the opening match viewing. He criticized the ruling Morena party for this "failure," which he believes will prevent fans from around the world from enjoying the tournament's start.

PAN officials also pointed to the head of government, Clara Brugada, warning that she will be remembered for failing to guarantee security for the Fan Fest. PAN council member Rafael Calderón added that the government is "incapable of dialoguing with sectors, incapable of negotiating, and does not know how to deliver results to the people or guarantee social coexistence" ahead of the World Cup.

While acknowledging that 18 other venues in Mexico City will offer free viewing of matches, the PAN insists that the Zócalo was intended to be the main event. The party lamented that Mexico is "never ready" to host the World Cup, blaming "incompetence" and "corruption" for tarnishing the international sporting event.