The evening I arrived in Cozumel was kinda windy and stormy. So when I saw that some store windows were boarded up, I assumed it was storm preparation. I was wrong.The weather was nothing special. Certainly not enough to warrant the boards. But, there is an economic storm brewing. The boards were there in case citizens decided to try looting. I'll explain. But before I go further, I want to reassure folks that the boards have been removed. And I'm perfectly safe.
Barbara, my school teacher friend, and various news sources have told me that social unrest has been building for months. Partly due to Mr Trump (81% of Mexicans think he's a threat to Mexico) and a historically low peso compared to the US $. But there have also been gas shortages, because of the declining condition of state owned refineries, theft from pipelines, and other issues. Mexico is an oil rich country. But it now imports 60% of its oil.Historically, the oil industry in Mexico has been state owned and prices for gas have been subsidized. The president is now moving prices to reflect global markets. He increased them by 20% on January 1st. Stating government gas subsidies hurt the poor because they reduce public funds available for social programs.
Hmmm....It's complicated for sure. But the new minimum wage in Mexico is about $3.75 US /day. One gallon of gas now costs about $3.10. Christmas bonuses for senators in Mexico were about $11,000 each.
Citizens are not happy. They're concerned that costs for many goods will increase due to increased fuel costs. During the 1st week of January they protest in the streets, blocked highways, and looted stores.
Photos
1, 2 and 3) The entrance and display windows at the Chedraui, a popular grocery store, are boarded and barricaded with pallets. I'll post new photos without the barricades soon.3) Looting.
4) A peaceful demonstration
5) The Chedraui display window without the barricades
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