Truck drivers in central Mexico staged a protest on Tuesday, blocking major highways to demand payment for their work on the government's Maya Train project. The demonstration caused disruptions on highways leading out of Mexico City and in the Yucatan Peninsula, where drivers had been transporting materials for the train line.
President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that subcontractor companies had not paid the drivers due to outstanding debts owed by the government. Sheinbaum assured that payments to the companies had commenced to facilitate the settlement of wages for the drivers.
This incident is part of a larger trend of delayed payments by the cash-strapped government, which is grappling with budget deficits resulting from ambitious projects and entitlement programs initiated by the previous administration.
Suppliers and contractors for the state-owned oil company have also voiced concerns over unpaid dues amounting to $5 billion, citing financial strain on their operations and regions of work.
Under the previous administration, significant investments were made in state-run enterprises like Pemex and infrastructure projects, leading to substantial budget deficits. Efforts are underway to reduce the deficit, but challenges remain in achieving fiscal targets.
The government's debt outlook was downgraded by Moody's in November, citing increased government debt as a risk factor for Mexico. To address funding gaps, new taxes and revenue sources are being explored, including redirecting funds from regulatory agencies to support military pay raises.
Recent measures include imposing an immigration fee on cruise ship passengers and allocating a portion of the proceeds to the armed forces. The military has taken on key roles in managing transportation projects, such as airports and train lines, despite some projects facing financial losses.
One such project is the Maya Train, a tourist line in the Yucatan Peninsula, which has underperformed in terms of ridership since its launch in 2023. While operational challenges persist, the train has carried significantly fewer passengers than initially projected.
As the government navigates financial constraints and seeks additional funding avenues, the sustainability of its economic policies and project investments remains a subject of scrutiny.
