Traffic in Mexico City ceased on Wednesday when police and angry teachers clashed over protests on education reform in Mexico. For months teachers have rallied against the education reforms approved by Mexico's President, Enrique Pena Nieto. One of the changes that has teachers up in arms is the introduction of performance based tests for teachers. The teacher's unions in Mexico are angry at these changes. Critics of the unions feel they have too much power in deciding what teachers get jobs.
The confrontations between police and teachers came to a head when the protesters tried to force their way to the city's main road in order to reach the airport. The teachers marched to the home of the president but were greeted by his aids. The "snub" as BBC referred to the president not speaking with the teachers angered the demonstrators to the point they attempted to block off two main roads in Mexico City. The blockade is what triggered the confrontations with police.
The Mexican authorities called in riot police to try and calm the protesters down. Associated Press reports 15 officers were injured in the scuffle with the teachers. Outraged educators grabbed the plastic riot shields from the officers causing some injuries. The protesting teachers say their grievances have moved beyond blocking the education reforms. They are looking to keep pressure on the administration and preserve their rights and privileges as the new labor reforms are put into effect.
Teachers in Mexico have been protesting these reforms for weeks. Many teachers have gone on strike and have been camping out in Zocalo Square for nearly three weeks. The protesters have held numerous marches and demonstrations in order to try and stop the President from passing the reforms but were unsuccessful. Pena Nieto signed the reforms into law on Tuesday after they passed Congress. In Oaxaca, Mexico 2,000 teachers started to march. School began in Oaxaca last month and since the strike began 1.3 million students have been left without education.
Mexico is due to celebrate its' Independence Day this weekend but teachers are still camped out in Zocalo square. Authorities have not resorted to using force to remove the protesting teachers and the teachers union have not made any announcement as to when the plan to vacate the square. On September 15 Mexico's president will make the "Cry of Independence" speech from a balcony of the National Palace which faces Zocalo Square. The following day a military parade is planned inside the park.
More From Latin Times
Mexico Mudslide 2013: 13 Killed In Veracruz Following Heavy Rains
Mario Nunez Meza Arrested In Mexico; Drug Cartel Is Connected To 350 Murders [VIDEO]
© 2024 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
