Claudia Sheinbaum defends right to protest as teacher strikes spread across Mexico

Teachers and union groups have staged protests in several Mexican states, including Veracruz, Zacatecas and Mexico City. In Veracruz, thousands of educators marched against education secretary Claudia Tello, criticizing delays in hiring, payments and administrative processes, turning a labor dispute into a political crisis for the state government.

President Claudia Sheinbaum responded to CNTE demonstrations in Zacatecas and a planned rally in Mexico City, saying the small numbers of teachers do not reflect a loss of popular support. She affirmed the right to peaceful demonstration, pledged not to use force, and emphasized continued dialogue with the teachers' union. She also dismissed criticism that her administration's policies have worsened teachers’ conditions.

The federal government’s stance aims to contain the unrest while state officials face mounting pressure from local educators, highlighting broader tensions in Mexico’s education sector ahead of upcoming elections.