Jewelers Protest Against Lockdown
Jewelry merchants in Mexico City’s Historic Center staged a protest this Tuesday, blocking Eje Central and Avenida Juárez for two hours. The demonstration was a response to the metal barricades installed by authorities to prevent members of the National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE) from setting up a protest camp in the Zócalo, a measure that has severely restricted mobility in the area over the past week.
Economic Impact on Local Businesses
The commercial paralysis has directly impacted the operations of local businesses. Estela Escobar, a worker who participated in the protest, reported that the jewelry store where she works has been unable to open its doors since last Sunday. Escobar described the severity of the situation, noting that sales have plummeted over the last seven days, summarizing the impact by saying: "We’re barely making enough to survive."
Limited Access and Financial Strain
The deployment of barricades has limited transit options for the public, who currently only have one controlled access point located between Tacuba and República de Brasil streets. This logistical setup has led to a sharp decline in foot traffic, threatening the economic viability of establishments near the city center.
Gerardo López Becerra, president of ConComercio Pequeño, warned of the sector's financial fragility. The business leader stressed that local shops cannot afford to endure prolonged blockades leading up to June 10, a key date ahead of the World Cup, which merchants hope will revitalize local trade.
Government Response and Future Outlook
Following the demonstration, merchants stated they had reached an agreement with authorities to allow free transit to the Historic Center starting this Wednesday. For his part, Secretary of Government César Cravioto called on CNTE members to ensure that, while they remain in the Zócalo, they "affect the city's residents as little as possible." Cravioto confirmed that the city government has designed a technical alternative with downtown merchants to mitigate the disruptions, with details to be presented later today.
