MEXICO CITY – Thousands of protesters, primarily organized and led by the youth group “Generation Z Mexico,” marched through the capital on Saturday to denounce rising violent crime, endemic corruption, and widespread impunity. The demonstration, one of the year’s most significant youth mobilizations, was galvanized by national outrage following the recent assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo.
The non-partisan march drew supporters across all age groups, collectively focusing intense scrutiny on the security and governance policies of President Claudia Sheinbaum's administration. Protesters were heard accusing the administration of complicity, chanting that a "narcogovernment" was colluding with cartels.
Clashes Erupt Outside National Palace
Tensions escalated into clashes near the National Palace, President Sheinbaum's residence, when a group of hooded demonstrators tore down security barricades protecting the building. Riot police responded with tear gas and stun grenades.
Mexico City Public Safety Secretary Pablo Vázquez confirmed the confrontation led to significant injuries. One hundred police officers were injured, with 40 of them requiring hospitalisation. Additionally, 20 civilians sustained injuries, and police detained approximately 20 protesters, while 20 more were cited for administrative offences.
Manzo Killing Becomes Flashpoint
The murder of Mayor Carlos Manzo on November 1 in Michoacán state has become a major flashpoint for the movement. Manzo, known for his vocal opposition to drug cartels, was shot dead during a public Day of the Dead event.
His death intensified public demands for government accountability. Protesters were seen chanting, “Carlos did not die, the government killed him,” and held banners that read "We are all Carlos Manzo," accusing authorities of failing to protect leaders confronting organized crime. Many demonstrators wore straw hats, symbolic of Manzo’s political movement, though Manzo's widow reportedly distanced his movement from the day's protests.
Government Accuses Opposition of Sponsorship
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum defended her government, stating ahead of the protests that the demonstrations were "inorganic" and being promoted by "right-wing politicians" who oppose her administration. She also suggested the protest call was "paid for" and promoted by bots online.
Meanwhile, the movement utilized popular cultural symbols to express their demands. The march featured the pirate-skull flag, known as the Jolly Roger of the Straw Hat Pirates from the Japanese manga One Piece, which has become a global symbol for youth resistance against government overreach and corruption.
The rally in Mexico City aligns with a global wave of Gen Z-led movements (those born 1997–2012) protesting governance failures and corruption, with similar demonstrations occurring recently in nations like Nepal and Morocco.
As Mexico continues to grapple with persistent cartel violence and high-profile political killings, Saturday’s demonstrations signal mounting pressure on the Sheinbaum administration to curb crime and restore public faith in state institutions.
