Mexico City government unveils plan to combat gentrification after protests

In Mexico City, the government introduced a preliminary plan to address the ongoing issue of gentrification after a series of protests erupted due to rising housing costs. This announcement came about a week following intense demonstrations fueled by discontent over the soaring prices many locals have attributed to a surge in mass tourism and the influx of foreigners, specifically digital nomads, who are temporarily residing in the city. As a response, Mayor Clara Brugada discussed regulations aiming to restrict landlords from raising rents above the inflation rate. Brugada's plan also involves sharing a list of reasonable rental proposals, intending to guide the rental market toward more affordable options. The authorities plan to engage the community, emphasizing the need for collaborative dialogue on how to best tackle the problem. Protests had escalated when concerns over government actions to attract digital nomads were spotlighted. Critics pointed fingers at the government's initiatives, such as a 2022 partnership with Airbnb and UNESCO, which sparked tensions among residents who felt increasingly priced out of their neighborhoods. The movement against gentrification gained notable traction when demonstrators expressed their frustrations in neighborhoods popular with tourists. While many protested peacefully, a portion of the crowd resorted to violence, leading to vandalism and confrontations with foreigners, which raised alarms over xenophobia. President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned these expressions, asserting that legitimate grievances should not incite hate against any nationality. The protests and the government’s response highlight the complex interplay of local concerns, economic pressures, and global migration trends. In light of the protests and claims of xenophobia, the Anti-Gentrification Front distanced themselves from violent behavior and underscored that the focus should not solely rest on foreign influence but rather on governmental policies that prioritize foreign investment at the expense of local residents. As tensions rise, organizers are calling for further protests to maintain pressure on the government while questioning the sustainability of current tourism policies and their impact on residents.