MEXICO CITY — Dozens of mayors from throughout Mexico tried to push for an audience with the president. Instead, tear gas was used for the first time during this administration to repel them.
The mayors are not affiliated with Morena, the president’s party. They claim that the federal budget is insufficient for their communities and could damage their economies.
The mayors gathered on Tuesday in front of Mexico’s National Palace and requested an audience with President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, which was denied.
After the mayors tried to break into the building, police used tear gas, forcing them to leave.
López Obrador later stated that the mayors have the right to protest, but his government needs to avoid violence. The president has been criticized for allowing the use of tear gas, while vandalism has been tolerated in other demonstrations.
The mayors are continuing their protests at the Mexican Congress.
