Residents of Mexico City have voiced their frustrations regarding the influx of tourists in their city. Over the weekend, a protest saw hundreds take to the streets, calling for stricter housing regulations and measures to control tourism.
In response, local officials have begun to act on these concerns, laying out a plan to tackle gentrification and related issues, as reported by the Associated Press.
Mayor Clara Bulgada announced that landlords would be restricted from raising rents beyond the rate of inflation. Additionally, the city intends to propose a list of “rational rental” guidelines.
Bulgada mentioned that her administration plans to engage with residents about these proposals, aiming to draft legislation aimed at ensuring more affordable rental options.
The protests had earlier escalated when a small group of masked individuals engaged in vandalism and harassment. Many demonstrators expressed particular discontent towards American tourists.
Statistics from the U.S. State Department highlighted that the number of Americans residing in Mexico surged by 70% between 2019 and 2022, with areas like Condesa and Roma being notably impacted.
Some protest signs included slogans urging Americans to reconsider their presence, with messages like “Leave out of Mexico” and demands for cultural respect and tax contributions.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous Americans relocated to Mexico, drawn by lower rents and the opportunity to work remotely. Current estimates suggest roughly 1.6 million Americans now live in Mexico.
As the community grapples with these developments, the conversation around balancing tourism and local needs remains pertinent.
