A significant demonstration against insecurity and government corruption turned violent in Mexico City over the weekend as protesters clashed with riot police outside the National Palace. Thousands of demonstrators marched from the Angel of Independence monument through various streets before reaching the Zocalo, the main square where the National Palace, the residence and office of President Claudia Sheinbaum, is situated. Tensions escalated when masked protesters dismantled metal barriers protecting the palace, leading to riot police responding with tear gas and smoke bombs. Some protesters pushed and kicked the fences, while others threw stones at the officers.
The protest, primarily organized by Generation Z youth groups, drew citizens protesting specific instances of violence, such as the assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo. Participants carrying Mexican flags expressed frustration over the worsening security conditions and government corruption. “We require enhanced security,” stated Andres Massa, a 29-year-old business consultant who bore the pirate skull flag, which has become a global symbol of Gen Z protests.
Throughout this year, members of Generation Z, born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, have orchestrated protests against inequality, democratic regression, and corruption in several countries. The most significant Gen Z protests occurred in Nepal in September following a social media ban, resulting in the prime minister’s resignation. In Mexico, many young individuals are disenchanted with systemic issues such as corruption and the lack of accountability for violent crimes.
Despite recent high-profile murders, including the assassination of Mayor Manzo in Michoacán, Sheinbaum retains high approval ratings. Leading up to the protest, Sheinbaum accused right-wing parties of attempting to infiltrate the Gen Z movement and using social media bots to boost attendance. Some Gen Z social media influencers withdrew their support for the protests, while older figures like former president Vicente Fox and Mexican billionaire Ricardo Salinas Pliego expressed backing for the demonstrations.
The march on Saturday attracted participants from various age groups, with supporters of Manzo donning straw hats emblematic of his political movement.