A massive demonstration, spearheaded by Generation Z activists, swept through Mexico City on Saturday, with thousands voicing their anger against rampant crime, corruption, and impunity.
Clashes and Casualties
While the protest was largely peaceful, it culminated in violent confrontations between young participants and law enforcement. Pablo Vázquez, the capital's security secretary, confirmed that 120 people were injured, including 100 police officers. Authorities made 20 arrests following the clashes.
Protesters attacked police lines with a barrage of projectiles, including stones, fireworks, sticks, and chains. This event is part of a wider, global pattern of youth-led mobilisations this year, where Gen Z has organised to challenge inequality, democratic backsliding, and systemic corruption.
A Movement with Global Echoes
This protest in Mexico mirrors significant unrest seen elsewhere. The largest Gen Z protests previously occurred in Nepal in September, which were triggered by a government ban on social media and ultimately led to the prime minister's resignation.
In Mexico, a deep-seated frustration with systemic failures is the driving force. Andres Massa, a 29-year-old business consultant at the rally, captured the sentiment, stating, "We need more security," while carrying the pirate skull flag that has become an international symbol for these youth protests.
The demonstration also drew support from older generations, highlighting the widespread nature of the grievances. Arizbeth Garcia, a 43-year-old physician, joined the march to demand better funding for the public health system and improved security for medical staff, who she said are exposed to the country's pervasive insecurity where "you can be murdered and nothing happens."
Political Reactions and Divisions
The protest comes despite Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum maintaining high approval ratings, even after a recent spate of high-profile murders, including the assassination of a popular mayor in Michoacán.
In the days leading up to the event, President Sheinbaum accused right-wing parties of attempting to infiltrate the Gen Z movement and of using social media bots to artificially inflate attendance numbers. The movement also saw shifting allegiances, with some Gen Z social media influencers withdrawing their support, while established figures like former President Vicente Fox and billionaire Ricardo Salinas Pliego publicly backed the protests.
The crowd was a diverse mix of ages and causes. Supporters of the recently slain Michoacán Mayor Carlos Manzo attended, wearing the straw hats that symbolised his political movement. Rosa Maria Avila, a 65-year-old real estate agent, travelled from Patzcuaro to honour him, saying, "The state is dying. He was killed because he was a man who was sending officers into the mountains to fight delinquents. He had the guts to confront them."
