Power outages spark protests in Mérida, disrupting public transport

Frustration over persistent power outages in Yucatán boiled over as residents in western Mérida blocked a key avenue and a public transport depot, disrupting services for thousands.

The demonstration on Mérida 2000 avenue, which included placing obstacles like stones, cones, and even a mattress, halted five routes of the "Va y Ven" bus system for more than six hours. This marks the sixth street closure in 14 days by residents protesting the lack of electricity.

"We are not quarrelsome or revolutionaries; we have to make these demonstrations to get them to pay attention," said resident Alegría Alcocer. "We are tired of remedies; we want solutions; otherwise, we will protest again as many times as necessary, and each time worse."

Thousands of commuters were stranded by the service suspension, which affected routes connected to Ciudad Caucel. Power was restored to the affected areas around 10 a.m. Tuesday, prompting residents to clear the blockade and allowing the bus routes to resume operations.

The director of the Yucatán Energy Agency, Pablo Gamboa Miner, acknowledged that over 700 reports of electrical failures had been received in recent days, underscoring the widespread nature of the problem.