Days before the FIFA World Cup opener in Mexico City, dissident teachers stormed the education ministry, smashing windows and setting a small fire. The CNTE breakaway group has staged escalating protests, toppling football statues and clashing with police near the Zocalo fan zone.
President Claudia Sheinbaum vowed not to use repression, urging dialogue instead. Protesters demand a 100% pay rise and pension reform, while the government has offered 9%. The starting monthly wage for public school teachers is about US $967.
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Unrest threatens to overshadow the tournament, jointly hosted by Mexico, the US and Canada.
