Baku, Azerbaijan – The Government of Mexico City, represented by Mayor Clara Brugada and other officials, actively participated in the UN-Habitat World Urban Forum held in Azerbaijan. During the global event, where Mexico was designated to host the forum in 2028, the capital’s delegation championed a robust agenda against gentrification and real estate speculation, despite mounting local criticism regarding escalating rents, displacements, and evictions exacerbated by the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mexico City Takes a Firm Stance Against Gentrification
During a panel discussion on urban development, Inti Muñoz Santini, the Secretary of Housing for Mexico City, unequivocally stated that “there is no good gentrification.” He advocated for policies focused on rent regulation, affordable housing, and the strengthening of public land. “We must combat gentrification; there is no good gentrification in small quantities. This is something we must include in a new paradigm for urban development,” Muñoz emphasized.
Housing as a Right, Not a Commodity
Muñoz further argued that housing “can no longer be understood as a commodity,” asserting that real estate financialization has displaced “entire communities” from their territories. The city plans to implement 200,000 housing initiatives by 2030 and reconstruct 22,000 homes damaged by the 2017 earthquakes, demonstrating a commitment to addressing housing needs.
Mayor Brugada, in her addresses, connected the urban agenda with broader issues of inequality, gender, and the right to the city. She called for the formation of “a great alliance of cities for peace and international law,” underscoring that “the right to the city is also the right not to be expelled.”
Rising Social Discontent Ahead of World Cup 2026
These declarations come at a time of escalating social unrest in the Mexican capital, fueled by evictions and displacements that community groups and organizations directly link to accelerated gentrification processes in anticipation of the 2026 World Cup. Mexico City is slated to host the opening match of the tournament, featuring Mexico versus South Africa, on June 11th.
In recent months, residents evicted from the Historic Center, merchants, and activists have staged protests and blockades to denounce forced expulsions and real estate speculation. Neighborhoods such as Roma and Condesa are experiencing growing tensions due to increasing rents and the displacement of long-term residents.
Alarming Spike in Eviction Complaints
Figures cited by protesters indicate a significant increase in complaints of dispossession. Between July and October 2025, approximately 2,600 complaints were registered, in stark contrast to 3,300 reports throughout the entirety of 2019. This data highlights a concerning trend of accelerated displacement within the city.
The government’s proactive stance at the international forum aims to address these critical issues and reaffirm its commitment to protecting the rights of its residents against the pressures of rapid urban development and global events.
Source: https://es-us.noticias.yahoo.com/deportes/ciudad-m%C3%A9xico-impulsa-agenda-anti-223747676.html
