Farmers protest new national water law proposal by blocking Mexico's Congress with tractors

MEXICO CITY A convoy of farmers arrived in Mexico City on Wednesday, using their tractors to block access to the nations Congress in a demonstration against a proposed national water law that would tighten government control over water usage.

The protesters gathered in front of the legislative building to voice their objections to the General Water Law draft, which they argue would divert water from rural areas for discretionary allocation. Farmers warn that the measure endangers their livelihoods and infringes on their basic water rights.

One banner stretched across two tractors read, If it affects the countryside, it affects the city! Jorge Robles, a farmer from Chihuahua, stated, We are protesting the federal governments enforcement of this new water law, a reform that threatens our land ownership.

President Claudia Sheinbaum supports the legislation, which is currently under review in the Chamber of Deputies, where her Morena Party holds a majority. The law proposes tougher penalties for water-related offenses and tighter regulation of water concessions, a sector long marred by corruption scandals.

This demonstration comes less than a week after farmers and truck drivers ended road blockades across seven Mexican states. Those earlier protests addressed concerns about highway security, water law changes, and demands for higher corn and wheat prices. Although the blockades were lifted following negotiations with the federal government, agricultural leaders have signaled readiness to intensify protests if the legislation moves forward in Congress.

Author: Grace Ellison