Resentment brews in Mexico City as residents grapple with skyrocketing rents and a burgeoning tourist influx prompting anti-gentrification protests.
**Wave of Protests in Mexico City Against Rising Prices and Tourism Overload**
**Wave of Protests in Mexico City Against Rising Prices and Tourism Overload**
Demonstrators confront gentrification and the struggle for affordable living in the bustling capital.
Protests erupted in Mexico City on Friday night, reflecting widespread frustration among locals over soaring living costs driven by rampant tourism and the influx of foreign residents. The unrest culminated in violence, leading to the damage of over a dozen businesses across the city.
Initially peaceful, the demonstration turned aggressive as some individuals began vandalizing properties, including well-known shops and banks in upscale neighborhoods like Condesa and Roma. The protest aims to highlight the outcry against gentrification, which many believe is erasing the city’s cultural heritage and pushing out long-time inhabitants.
César Cravioto, Mexico City’s government secretary, described the situation as concerning, condemning the violence and the underlying “xenophobic” sentiments fueling the unrest. He emphasized that the city has a rich history of migration and should remain inclusive.
Governor Carla Brugada echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the challenges posed by gentrification while asserting her commitment to increasing the availability of affordable housing. She stressed that the fight against gentrification should not devolve into discrimination against migrants.
Since the pandemic, areas such as Roma and Condesa have attracted many foreign workers, leading to a surge in demand for housing and services. While this influx supports local businesses, it simultaneously renders these neighborhoods unaffordable for many residents who earn an average monthly salary of approximately $370.
Protesters have drawn parallels between the modern-day rise of Western expatriates and historical colonialism, positioning the struggle against gentrification as an essential political battle against “American imperialism.” One grassroots organization, Frente Anti Gentrificación Mx, called for solidarity against what they termed a “silent expulsion.”
These local demonstrations are part of a larger global movement resisting the economic burdens of mass tourism, with similar protests surfacing in European cities like Italy, Portugal, and Spain. The unrest in Mexico City serves as a poignant reminder of the balancing act between tourism, local culture, and affordable living in urban spaces worldwide.
