Protesters Block Cancún Roads Over Property Tax Dispute

Cancún, Mexico — A group of protesters from Playa del Carmen and Cancún demonstrated outside the Benito Juárez municipal government building today to demand solutions regarding property tax payments. However, the leader of the National Peaceful Civil Resistance Movement, David Cruz, refused to engage in an open dialogue with authorities, leading demonstrators to block Avenida Tulum and occupy the roundabout known as "El Ceviche" for over two hours.

Protest Escalates After Closed-Door Meeting Denied

Approximately 50 people gathered to voice their concerns to the Benito Juárez municipal government, led by Mayor Ana Patricia Peralta. However, David Cruz, the movement's leader, prevented citizens from attending a scheduled meeting with officials. After being informed that they would be addressed by Municipal Secretary Pablo Gutiérrez, protesters were removed from the "Salón Presidentes" meeting hall.

In response, Secretary Gutiérrez, at the request of other demonstrators, offered to meet with them in Plaza de la Reforma. This decision angered Cruz, who had demanded a private meeting with the secretary. Following the refusal, Cruz ordered the closure of major roadways as a pressure tactic.

Municipal Government Seeks Direct Dialogue

Pablo Gutiérrez emphasized the municipal government's willingness to address protesters' concerns without intermediaries, noting that each individual case required personalized attention.

"This administration operates differently. We always seek direct dialogue with residents to find joint solutions, adhering to legal frameworks and reality. That was our intention—to respond to those who requested the discussion. While some led the movement, others wanted to be present and were denied entry. We respect the right to protest, but the decision to avoid direct dialogue with residents was not ours," Gutiérrez stated.

Roadblock Lifted After Agreement Reached

Municipal authorities urged protesters to reopen the blocked roads, which had caused traffic congestion for more than two hours. After securing an agreement that individual cases would be addressed on Wednesday, demonstrators dispersed, allowing normal traffic flow to resume.

Mixed Participation Among Protesters

Reports indicated that not all participants were directly affected by property tax issues. Some admitted they had been invited to join the protest without fully understanding its purpose, while others claimed to be up-to-date on their payments but attended in solidarity with those facing difficulties.

The demonstration highlighted ongoing tensions between citizen groups and local authorities over tax policies, with further discussions expected later this week.