Mexico's education chief: Teachers' union protests timed for political gain during World Cup

Mexico's Secretary of Public Education, Mario Delgado Carrillo, asserted that the National Union of Education Workers (CNTE) is motivated by political interests in its planned protests during the World Cup. Delgado stated that the federal government has been responsive to the union's core demands and continues to engage in dialogue.

Delgado highlighted that the administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo maintains continuous dialogue with various teacher groups. He pointed to efforts to involve educators in shaping reforms, including those replacing the USICAMM system for teacher career development. The government has also addressed issues like pension systems and educational backlogs in states such as Oaxaca, Chiapas, Zacatecas, and Guerrero.

“

We don't understand why the Coordinator resorts to these types of demonstrations. If the demands of the teachers are being addressed, we were with them for many hours yesterday and today they decided to have an activity near the stadium.

Despite these efforts, Delgado expressed confusion over the CNTE's recent protest plans, especially after extensive dialogue sessions. He suggested that the timing of the announced actions, coinciding with the World Cup's inauguration, indicates a political motive to tarnish Mexico's international reputation. However, he affirmed the government's respect for peaceful assembly, provided dialogue remains open to address legitimate teacher demands.

“

Rather, it is a political interest that moves them at this moment, to try to affect the World Cup or the image of our country internationally.