President Claudia Sheinbaum has emphasized her stance against xenophobia while recognizing legitimate concerns regarding gentrification in Mexico City neighborhoods. During her Monday morning press conference, she addressed Friday’s anti-gentrification protest in the capital, which included hostile expressions toward U.S. citizens living in areas like Condesa and Roma.
The president highlighted Mexico’s tradition of welcoming foreigners and condemned discriminatory behavior. “Mexico is a country that is open to the world and isn’t discriminatory,” Sheinbaum stated, referencing Mexico’s history of providing refuge to Spanish Republicans, South Americans fleeing coups, and Guatemalans escaping violence.
Sheinbaum identified gentrification as mainly “an issue of real estate speculation” driven by short-term rentals on digital platforms that cater to tourists and digital nomads. This marks a shift from her 2022 position as Mexico City mayor when she partnered with Airbnb to attract remote workers and claimed there was no evidence connecting the platform to rising rents.
The president announced plans to collaborate with the Mexico City government on regulatory mechanisms to prevent further cost-of-living increases in gentrifying neighborhoods, which have been forcing long-term residents to relocate.
Transportation Developments
In transportation news, Sheinbaum disclosed that the train line connecting central Mexico City to the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) is facing delays. Originally planned to open in July, the project has encountered issues with communities along the route. Some residents are requesting social support or claiming damage to their homes from previous construction. The president noted that while these problems are being addressed, a new opening date will be announced soon.
When completed, the train will allow travelers to reach AIFA from Mexico City’s Buenavista station in approximately 40 minutes.
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