Thousands Rally Across Mexico as Gen Z-Led Protests Challenge Crime and Corruption:

Thousands of people marched across cities in Mexico on Saturday in a wave of demonstrations led largely by young activists from “Generation Z Mexico,” a group that says it is tired of rising crime, corruption, and government impunity. Although the movement was initiated by Gen Z organisers, the rallies drew participants of all ages — from long-time activists aligned with opposition parties to supporters of slain Michoacán Mayor Carlos Manzo, whose killing earlier this month intensified public outrage. In Mexico City, tensions escalated quickly. A small faction of hooded protesters dismantled protective fences surrounding the National Palace, where President Claudia Sheinbaum resides, provoking a rapid response from riot police. According to officials and local media, police deployed tear gas as clashes erupted in the historic centre. Mexico City’s public safety secretary, Pablo Vázquez, reported that 100 police officers were injured, with 40 requiring hospital care. He added that 20 civilians were also hurt during the confrontation. Authorities detained 20 people and referred another 20 for administrative violations. Local outlet El Universal described chaotic scenes as security forces used tear gas and even stones against demonstrators entering the palace perimeter. Its report said officers “physically assaulted young people demonstrating in the Zócalo,” and that injured protesters were treated by volunteer doctors and members of the Emergency Rescue and Medical Emergencies Squadron. Witnesses said police chased demonstrators across the plaza, beating some before forcibly clearing the area. The protest’s organisers insist their movement is non-partisan. In a manifesto circulated on social media, “Generation Z Mexico” portrayed itself as a voice for young people disillusioned with violence and abuses of power. But the movement’s credibility has become a matter of political debate. Some Gen Z influencers distanced themselves from the event earlier in the week, while prominent conservative figures — including former President Vicente Fox and billionaire Ricardo Salinas Pliego — publicly endorsed the protests. President Sheinbaum has accused right-wing groups of attempting to infiltrate the youth-led mobilisation, alleging they used social media bots to inflate predicted turnout. Despite the controversy, many who joined Saturday’s march said their motivations were personal and urgent. “We need more security,” said Andrés Massa, a 29-year-old business consultant carrying the pirate-skull Gen Z protest flag. Others echoed similar frustrations. Claudia Cruz, a 43-year-old physician, said she was marching for stronger public healthcare funding and improved safety for medical workers. “Doctors are exposed to the insecurity gripping the country,” she said. “You can be murdered and nothing happens.” President Sheinbaum, who took office in October 2024 and currently holds approval ratings above 70%, has nonetheless faced increasing criticism over her security strategy. Several high-profile killings have shaken public confidence, including the assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo on November 1. Manzo had been known for confronting drug-trafficking groups, and his death sparked additional protests in Michoacán on Saturday. Some of his supporters travelled to the capital to join the demonstrations. “The state is dying,” said Rosa María Ávila, a 65-year-old real estate agent from Pátzcuaro. “He had the courage to confront the criminals. That’s why he was killed.” The protests in Mexico reflect a broader global pattern. Across parts of Asia and Africa this year, Gen Z-led movements have mobilised against corruption, inequality, and democratic decline. In Nepal, massive youth-driven protests after a social-media ban prompted the resignation of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. In Madagascar, sustained unrest over water and electricity shortages escalated into a national crisis, ending with the government’s dissolution and the president’s flight from the country. What remains unclear is whether Mexico’s youth-driven frustration will translate into lasting political pressure — or become another flashpoint in the nation’s ongoing struggle with insecurity and public distrust.

NEWS