DistantNews
Support us
Spanish YouTuber documents CNTE protests and Zócalo restrictions: 'Not as I expected'
🇲🇽 Mexico /Culture & Society

Spanish YouTuber documents CNTE protests and Zócalo restrictions: 'Not as I expected'

From El Universal · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • Spanish YouTuber Nil Ojeda documented protests and restricted access in Mexico City's Zócalo ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
  • Ojeda described the security barriers around the Zócalo as resembling a "controlled border."
  • Teachers' union CNTE is protesting pension reforms and demanding changes to the ISSSTE law, intensifying their demonstrations as the World Cup approaches.

Spanish YouTuber Nil Ojeda shared his observations of Mexico City's Zócalo, describing the scene ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as unexpectedly restrictive and marked by ongoing protests.

During his "El Mejo País de LATAM" tour, Ojeda visited the capital and encountered significant security measures around the Zócalo, the city's main square. He noted the presence of metal barriers and access controls, requiring official identification for entry. "It's very strange. It's like seeing a, I don't know, like there's a border, a strange border controlled by the government," Ojeda commented on the situation.

His visit coincided with protests by the National Union of Education Workers (CNTE). Ojeda documented the teachers' encampments, with one demonstrator explaining their presence: "We are organized teachers, but we come from a state called Oaxaca. We are demonstrating for certain situations regarding retirement. They are no longer giving us what would be the payment."

It's very strange. It's like seeing a, I don't know, like there's a border, a strange border controlled by the government.

— Nil OjedaDescribing the security barriers and access restrictions around Mexico City's Zócalo.

The CNTE's demonstrations have intensified as the World Cup draws nearer. The union is demanding the repeal of the 2007 ISSSTE Law, changes to the pension system, salary increases, and the elimination of the system for teacher career advancement (USICAMM), arguing for a more comprehensive reform.

Authorities have erected fences around the Zócalo in an effort to prevent confrontations and maintain control during the lead-up to the global sporting event. Ojeda's documentation of these circumstances, under the title "The sad reality of MEXICO before the World Cup," has garnered attention on social media, offering a stark contrast to the typical tourist experience.

We are organized teachers, but we come from a state called Oaxaca. We are demonstrating for certain situations regarding retirement. They are no longer giving us what would be the payment.

— CNTE protesterExplaining the reasons for the teachers' protest in Mexico City.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog