President Claudia Sheinbaum defended this Wednesday the placement of metal fences around the National Palace, seat of the Executive Branch, ensuring that the measure aims to prevent violent incidents, protect protesters, police, and the historical heritage, in the context of upcoming mobilizations in Mexico City.During her morning conference, the head of state justified the deployment by referring to past protests that resulted in assaults.«They beat reporters, in short, violent actions that perhaps were not by the teachers, but by some provocateurs, but what we seek is to avoid that,» she pointed out.The governor also warned about the presence of external groups in peaceful protests that, she claimed, infiltrate to cause disturbances.«Recently we saw these black blocks that are not necessarily from the demonstrations, but that insert themselves into the demonstrations and use them to burn, use different artifacts to burn,» Sheinbaum asserted.The president stated that the main objective is to safeguard the National Palace and prevent security forces from being exposed to attacks.«We have a responsibility to take care of the National Palace. And the fences, I repeat, are to protect people's lives,» she stated.On Tuesday, the National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE) announced a national strike and possible blockades in at least 20 states of the country, demanding the repeal of the Law of the Institute of Social Security and Social Services for State Workers (Issste), which they accuse of violating their labor rights.Additionally, a group called 'Generation Z Mexico' has announced a march for next November 15, to protest the insecurity in the country.«The doors are open,» she stressed, and added that the protest may have acquired a different political touch than the original one.«It seems as if they are very radical, but in reality they are joining with the right,» she said.However, she reiterated her support for freedom of expression and assembly, but pointed out the need to identify those driving the mobilization:«It is important that it is known who is calling for this mobilization. It has nothing to do with the lack of dialogue.»
