President Claudia Sheinbaum said she will not use force against CNTE protesters in the historic centre of Mexico City [1].
The decision aims to prevent violent confrontations between police and teachers while the government maintains an open dialogue with the National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE) [1]. By avoiding aggressive tactics, the administration seeks to preserve public order without escalating tensions in the city's most visited district [2].
Instead of deploying police force, Sheinbaum said she will use containment measures [1]. These strategies include the placement of fences to create physical barriers between protesters and law enforcement [2]. The administration believes these measures will prevent direct conflict while allowing the group to express their grievances, a move intended to balance the right to protest with city security [2].
This strategy follows a series of planned demonstrations in the capital. Sheinbaum agreed to meet with CNTE representatives on May 11, 2024 [3] to discuss the teachers' demands. This meeting was part of a broader effort to resolve disputes through negotiation rather than confrontation [3].
The commitment to non-violence comes amid significant activity from the teachers' union. The CNTE planned a megamarch in Mexico City for May 15, 2024 [4]. The march was expected to impact various arterial roads and public spaces within the city, necessitating a coordinated response from city authorities to manage traffic and safety [4].
Sheinbaum said the priority remains the maintenance of peace in the Centro Histórico [1]. By opting for fences and dialogue over police intervention, the government intends to avoid the optics and reality of civil unrest in the heart of the capital [2].
“Sheinbaum announced the use of containment measures”
The decision to prioritize containment and dialogue over police force reflects a strategic effort by the Sheinbaum administration to avoid political instability. By utilizing physical barriers like fences, the government can limit the movement of protesters and protect infrastructure without risking the casualties or public outcry that typically follow police crackdowns on labor unions.
