On Saturday, thousands gathered in Mexico City to voice their opposition to crime, corruption, and impunity. This protest, initiated by Generation Z members, ultimately garnered significant support from older individuals aligned with opposition parties.
While the demonstration was largely peaceful, it concluded with confrontations between some youths and law enforcement. Protesters hurled stones, fireworks, sticks, and chains at police, and seized shields and other gear.
The city's security secretary, Pablo Vázquez, stated that 120 individuals sustained injuries, with 100 of those being police officers. Twenty arrests were made.
During several countries this year, individuals from the generation born between the late 1990s and early 2010s have initiated demonstrations to protest against injustice, democratic decline, and dishonesty.
In September, the largest “Gen Z” protests took place in Nepal occurred after a social media ban, prompting the resignation of that country's prime minister. Numerous young individuals in Mexico express frustration over persistent issues such as corruption and the lack of accountability for violent offenses.
“We need more security” said Andres Massa, a 29-year-old business consultant who carried the pirate skull flag that has become a global symbol of Gen Z protests.
Arizbeth Garcia, a 43-year-old doctor participating in the demonstrations, stated her reasons for marching included advocating for increased financial support for the public health system and improved safety measures, as physicians “are also exposed to the insecurity gripping the country, where you can be murdered and nothing happens.”
Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico, continues to enjoy strong public approval, even after a series of prominent killings, including the murder of a well-liked mayor in the western state of Michoacan.
Prior to Saturday's demonstration, Sheinbaum alleged that conservative factions attempted to infiltrate the Gen Z movement and employed social media bots to boost participation.
This week some “Gen Z” social media influencers said they no longer backed Saturday’s protests. While elderly figures like former President Vicente Fox, and Mexican billionaire Ricardo Salinas Pliego published messages in support of the protests.
Individuals from various age demographics participated in Saturday's demonstration, with those backing the recently deceased Michoacan Mayor Carlos Manzo donning the straw hats that represent his political affiliation.
“The state is dying,” said Rosa Maria Avila, a 65-year-old real estate agent who traveled from the town of Patzcuaro in Michoacan state.
“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,” she said of Manzo.