On February 10, 2025, Mexico City finds itself at the center of significant social unrest as thousands of merchants and vendors mobilize against new regulations impacting their livelihoods. Spearheaded by the Movimiento Plural de Comerciantes de Mercados Públicos de la Ciudad de México (MPCMP-CDMX), these protests are set to cause major disruptions across various districts, including Iztapalapa, Xochimilco, and Coyoacán.
The protests will kick off at 8:00 AM, with participants gathering at 14 key locations throughout the city. The primary aim is to demand the repeal of recent reforms to the digitalization guidelines published on January 9, 2025, which they argue threaten the legal validity of the vendors’ operating permits. The merchants assert these changes could lead to the unauthorized appropriation of their stalls, jeopardizing the livelihoods of approximately 79,000 vendors operating across the capital’s 16 boroughs.
"Las dejaría sin efectos," exclaimed one disgruntled vendor, embodying the frustrations felt by many within the merchant community. Their concerns highlight significant fear among vendors about their current permits becoming invalid as the city transitions to the new digital system.
The Secretary of Economic Development, addressing the impending protests, stated, "La digitalización facilitará el acceso a la información," stressing the intent behind the reforms to promote transparency and regularization among merchants. The director assured vendors they would maintain ownership of their documentation under the new digital framework.
Despite these reassurances, skepticism remains high among vendors preparing for what they have termed as the 'mega march.' With anticipation of around 3,100 participants, protesters are expected to start at various locations such as the Anillo Periférico Oriente and Avenida Tláhuac, moving toward the Economic Development headquarters located at Av. Cuauhtémoc No. 898, Benito Juárez.
The roads set to be heavily affected include major routes such as Calzada de Tlalpan, Insurgentes, and Av. Paseo de la Reforma. Local commuters are advised to seek alternate routes like Circuito Interior and Viaducto. Reports suggest significant congestion may ensue throughout the day, with the potential for additional demonstrations and blockades, particularly as the merchants converge on their final destination.
Besides the MPCMP-CDMX, other organizations such as the Movimiento Nacional por el Rescate de los Mercados Públicos and Mi Mercado Pro-Hogar have also pledged their support. Municipal authorities have been preparing for possible unrest, indicating potential traffic disruptions and advising residents to plan their journeys accordingly.
A series of related protests are also scheduled for the day, including demonstrators from Barberos Unidos del Estado de México, who will march from the Monumento a la Revolución to the Palacio Nacional, demanding clarification on recent closures of their businesses under allegations involving illegal activities.
Another notable event is the arrival of the Alianza de los Pueblos por la Justicia Social from Oaxaca, seeking to highlight issues of violence and disappearances affecting their communities. They will be marching toward the Palacio Nacional as part of their national caravan, which is expected to grow throughout the day.
Reports from the Secretaria de Seguridad Ciudadana have confirmed the mobilization and potential disruptions, with the agency urging citizens to remain vigilant and to keep abreast of real-time traffic updates via their channels. The authorities are prepared for what could evolve throughout the day, as cumulative protests from various sectors possibly coincide.
All eyes will certainly be on Mexico City as the day progresses, gauging the response from both sides—the merchants determined to make their voices heard and the government's attempt to reach concessions without giving way to chaos.
This converging of multiple protests on February 10 marks not only rising tensions surrounding economic policy but also symbolizes the broader calls for social justice within varying sectors across society.
With passions running high and stakes even higher, the city braces for what could be one of its most significant days of civic engagement this year. Residents are reminded to remain patient and informed, as these demonstrations could shape the discourse on market regulations moving forward.
Expectations are high among vendors targeted by the provisions, who hope their collective actions will lead to reconsiderations of the measures currently facing scrutiny as they march together for their rights.
Staying informed and making necessary adjustments to travel plans will be key for anyone transiting through the city this busy protest day, as the repercussions of these mobilizations will echo well beyond February 10.