Tens of thousands march against Mexican government decision to disband public utility

Thousands march against Mexican utility closure

MEXICO CITY — Tens of thousands of people have marched to protest Mexican President Felipe Calderon’s decision to disband a public electricity company.

The marchers included leftist groups and many of the 44,504 people employed by Luz y Fuerza, the company that provided electricity to Mexico City and the surrounding area.

Many demanded Calderon’s resignation or urged Mexicans to stop paying their electricity bills.

Calderon disbanded the company over the weekend, citing a gaping budget and operational inefficiencies. The Federal Electricity Commission, which provides service to the rest of the country, has taken over for Luz y Fuerza.

City officials estimated at least 33,000 people showed up to the march Thursday.