Street Vendors Booted From Mexico City

Mexico City police forced street vendors from nearly 100 streets recently in an effort to clean up the city. But the vendors vow to return.

1 minute read

October 17, 2007, 7:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


"More than 1,000 police officers in riot gear blocked street vendors from setting up stands selling knockoff purses and pirated DVDs Friday, clearing Mexico City's clogged historic center for the first time in more than a decade."

"The removal of vendors from 87 downtown streets was peaceful - at least a temporary victory for leftist Mayor Marcelo Ebrard, who is widely believed to have presidential ambitions."

"Like dozens of mayors before him, Ebrard has promised to take back public spaces and improve the quality of life in the city of 8.5 million."

"But vendors warn they will be back when the holiday shopping season begins in November, renewing a conflict that dates back centuries."

Tuesday, October 16, 2007 in Associated Press via Oakland Tribune

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