MEXICO CITY — Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she could guarantee a peaceful World Cup opening ceremony this week, despite concern over ongoing teacher protests.
“We are going to guarantee… that the celebration of the World Cup is well-executed, in peace and tranquility,” she said in her daily press conference according to AFP.
A teachers union has threatened protests at Thursday’s opening game between Mexico and South Africa in the capital if the government doesn’t respond to demands for salary raises and pension reforms.
On June 1, police dispersed protesters with teargas and rubber bullets outside the historic Zocalo square where authorities have erected a massive screen for a World Cup fan zone.
The streets surrounding the square remain closed off with metal barricades, which Sheinbaum has said are meant to guard against “provocations.”
Protesting teachers also toppled commemorative statues of players in downtown Mexico City last week.
