State violence will embolden Mexico's CNTE

Significance

Protests against President Enrique Pena Nieto's education reforms have intensified since June 19, when at least eight people were killed and more than 100 were injured in clashes with federal police in Oaxaca. While the CNTE and the government are in talks, they have so far failed to reach any meaningful agreements. The union has called for protests in other states where it is influential, such as Chiapas, Michoacan and Guerrero, as well as in Mexico City.

Impacts

• The situation gives Lopez Obrador and Morena another platform on which to campaign ahead of 2018.
• The EPR's pledge of support for the CNTE raises the likelihood of further violence during the protests.
• The overlapping interests of the CNTE and its allies will polarise the situation further, making any solution more difficult.