Mexican parents criticise ending school year a month early for World Cup

"They want the city empty for the tourists, and we're left wondering what we'll eat," another was quoted as saying, noting the cost of summer activities.The National Union of Parents condemned the "unilateral decision", describing the use of the World Cup to cancel classes as "inexcusable"."The matches will only be held in three cities," it said in a statement. "Why affect almost 23 million students under this absurd pretext?"Meanwhile Coparmex, an association of business owners, said the sudden alteration would create uncertainty for employees and employers alike.It called for individual states to implement their own arrangements to accommodate for heatwaves and travel disruption while lessening the impact on the economy.Despite claims of unanimity, the governments of three states - two of which are hosting World Cup matches - spoke out against the plan, with one saying it would stick to the original school year.In the face of this criticism, Sheinbaum used her daily news conference on Friday to recast the announcement as subject to further review."Since many Mexicans like soccer and are following the World Cup, this proposal was made to bring forward the holidays," the Mexican president said. "But the school days of the girls and boys also have to be taken into consideration.