NGOs and Universities Gear Up for Belated Anti-Trump Nationwide Demonstrations Whitney Eulich - The Christian Science Monitor
go to original February 8, 2017

In the weeks since President Trump’s inauguration, Mexico has confronted a growing list of verbal digs, biting executive orders, and even what sounded to some like casual threats of military intervention.  

The response from Mexico’s political and academic elites has been swift and strong. There have been pledges never to pay for a border wall, reminders of the role Mexico plays in securing the southern US border, and even encouragement of a boycott of Starbucks and McDonald’s.

The public response, however, has been far less visible. Social media has been buzzing with anger and frustration, but the absence of mass marches – a common outlet here – against Trump has been eye-catching in a country at risk of possibly losing the most if the new US president follows through on his protectionist promises.

But that may be poised to change. On Feb. 12, 18 NGOs and universities are organizing nationwide marches against what they say is Trump’s disrespect and demanding a stronger Mexican government response. The effort, called “Vibra Mexico,” will include a pause at 2 p.m. for participants across the country to sing the Mexican national anthem as a symbol of unity.

The lack of anti-Trump thus far may have its roots in domestic woes, which include a 20 percent jump in gasoline prices in the past month, a historically unpopular President Enrique Peña Nieto, a recent history of disruptive and unpopular protests over narrow issues, and a still developing civil society, analysts say.

“Mexico is facing two crises right now,” says Lorenzo Meyer, a noted Mexican historian. “There’s the situation with Trump and the United States, but then there’s an internal crisis. Gas prices, corruption, the degradation of institutions.”

While the messages from the north may be angering many, here, it’s the latter that “gets Mexicans into the streets," Mr. Meyer says. A march that brings the general population out in protest, therefore, can require extra time and strategy.

Read the rest at The Christian Science Monitor

Related: Mexico's Biggest Fear Right Now Is Not Donald Trump, It's Gas Prices (CNNMoney)

Related: Despite Falling Approval Ratings, Mexicans Back Nieto’s Trump Snub (Reuters)

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