Thousands protest in Mexico City

Protesters say tax changes will hit the poor

Tens of thousands of people have marched through Mexico City to protest against energy and tax reforms that the president is pushing through Congress.

More than 7,000 police officers were deployed across the capital, and roads in the centre were shut in advance.

Protesters say plans to allow private investment in the energy sector will open the way for future privatisation.

President Vicente Fox says they are needed to ensure future supplies, and tax reforms are crucial to the economy.

Opposition parties, unions, student groups and peasant farmers joined in the protest, dubbed the mega-march, says the BBC's Frank Contreras, in Mexico City.

They say plans to reduce value added tax, but to extend it to food and medicines, would hit the poor.

Organisers of the march had boasted that the turnout would swell beyond 100,000, but late-afternoon rain deterred some of the protesters.

The interior ministry said 45,000 people turned out for the rally.

Protesters spread into Mexico City's giant central plaza known as the Zocalo.

The crowd included indigenous farmers from the deep south, many wearing cowboy hats and worn-out sandals.

Union activists and nurses in white uniforms came from across the country.

Some of the poorest demonstrators explained they had been living in crisis all their lives, our correspondent said.