Americas News
Tens of thousands protest in Mexico against high price of tortillas
Feb 1, 2007, 5:40 GMT
Mexico City - Tens of thousands of Mexicans protested in cities across the country Wednesday against price increases of staple foods like tortillas and called for reform in economic policy.
More than 100,000 trade unionists, farmers and leftists participated in the largest demonstration in Mexico City, according to organizers. The first protest against newly elected President Felipe Calderon blocked the city centre.
The demonstrators want a price-cap on corn, which has spiked to its highest levels in decades, and is the main ingredient in Mexico's staple, tortillas. Corn tortilla prices are up to 15 pesos (1.36 US dollars) a kilogram from 5 pesos before the crisis.
The protestors are also demanding wage increases as well as an agricultural policy to promote the cultivation of basic foods such as corn, beans and grains.
Conservative Calderon took office December 1 after a contested race against leftist Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Lopez Obrador joined the protest march on Wednesday.
© 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-AgenturCOMMENT
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