Mexico President Sheinbaum says dialogue with teachers open amid CNTE protests

President Claudia Sheinbaum reaffirmed that dialogue with teachers, including members of the Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (CNTE), remains open. Speaking at her daily “Mañanera del Pueblo,” she emphasized direct contact with teachers to hear grassroots opinions and said, “Para mí las maestras y los maestros de México es de lo mejor que existe en nuestro país.” She noted that talks would be coordinated through the Secretariat of Governance and the Education Ministry, and she questioned the purpose of the current protests, describing the most radical participants as leaders who no longer hold representation.

The CNTE, however, demanded that Sheinbaum define her political alliances after she limited the offers to teachers and appeared to close negotiations. Section 9 leader Pedro Hernández told reporters, “Queremos decirle a la presidenta que también tiene que definir con quién va a continuar la construcción de un país diferente: con los pobres… o con los banqueros.” He urged the president to resume talks with the federal cabinet and called on schools on strike to join broader mobilizations. Protests were reported near the Estadio Azteca and in several states, including Zacatecas and Guerrero, as CNTE members rallied in support of the cause.