Two days before the biggest sporting event on the planet kicks off in Mexico City, thousands of demonstrators have turned the streets surrounding Estadio Azteca into a staging ground for grievances that have nothing to do with football. Roads leading to the iconic venue, which is set to host the June 11 opening match between Mexico and South Africa, were blocked by protesters demanding the government pay attention to teachers, not tournaments.
The protests, organized primarily by the National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE) and various activist groups, have been building since early June. And their timing is not accidental.
A week of disruption before the world arrives
The demonstrations peaked between June 3 and June 9, with protesters flooding major thoroughfares including Insurgentes and Paseo de la Reforma, two of Mexico City’s most critical arteries.
The CNTE called for a national strike on June 1. Their central demand: a 100% pay increase for educators.
