Gen Z protests against Mexico president turn violent amid anger over mayor’s death | Mexico
At least 120 people, mostly police officers, were injured as thousands of people marched in Mexico City to protest the government of Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum.
Saturday’s demonstration was organized by members of Generation Z but ended with strong support from former supporters of opposition parties.
“This mobilization proceeded and evolved peacefully for hours until a group of hooded individuals began committing acts of violence,” said Pablo Vázquez, Mexico City’s security chief.
He reported that 100 police officers were injured, 40 of whom required hospital treatment for bruises and cuts, and 20 protesters were injured.
Sheinbaum, who has been in power since October 2024, has an approval rating of over 70 percent but has faced criticism over his security policy over a number of high-profile killings.
Many of the protesters carried banners and wore hats saluting Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez, the mayor of Uruapan in Michoacan state who was assassinated Nov. 1 for leading a campaign against drug trafficking gangs in his town.
“He was killed because he was a man who sent officers into the mountains to fight criminals,” said Rosa Maria Avila, a 65-year-old real estate agent traveling from Michoacan state. “He had the courage to face them.”
“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 Generation Z protests.
Protesters gathered in front of the National Palace, where Sheinbaum lived and worked, and tore down some metal fences around the building.
Police guarding the compound used tear gas and fire extinguishers to control protesters who crashed into fences.
Some of the protesters shouted at security forces, “You should have protected Carlos Manzo like this.”
Hundreds of young people threw projectiles at the police, who responded by raising their shields and throwing objects at the protesters.
In the days leading up to Saturday’s protest, Sheinbaum accused right-wing parties of trying to infiltrate the Gen Z movement and using bots on social media to increase participation.
“This is a movement against the government supported from abroad,” he said.
With Agence France-Presse and Associated Press
