Thousands of Teachers Block Avenue to Azteca Stadium 2 Days Before World Cup Opener
Updated
Updated · FRANCE 24 English · Jun 10
Thousands of Teachers Block Avenue to Azteca Stadium 2 Days Before World Cup Opener
3 articles · Updated · FRANCE 24 English · Jun 10
Summary
Thousands of striking teachers blocked a main avenue to Mexico City's Azteca Stadium on Tuesday, snarling the capital two days before the World Cup opening match there.
The CNTE dissident faction says it will keep protesting for higher pay and repeal of a pension law the government says is unworkable, with some demonstrators openly aiming to reach the stadium.
President Claudia Sheinbaum said Thursday's Mexico-South Africa opener is guaranteed, while authorities deployed thousands of officers and concrete barriers around the venue but ruled out repressing protests.
The action follows a week of unrest, including a June 1 police dispersal with tear gas and rubber bullets, and teachers have also camped near the Zocalo fan zone.
Mexico is hosting the tournament with the United States and Canada while still racing to finish airport and subway upgrades, adding pressure to an already complex World Cup launch.