Protests inspired by Gen Z movements are sweeping across Mexico, ignited by the murder of a mayor
Under the banner of “Generation Z,” thousands of people demonstrated throughout Mexico on Saturday, condemning the increase in violence following the public murder of a mayor who opposed crime earlier this month.
Reuters witnesses reported that a small group of hooded demonstrators in Mexico City clashed with riot police who used tear gas after they tore down fencing surrounding President Claudia Sheinbaum’s residence, the National Palace.
During a press conference, Mexico City’s public safety minister Pablo Vazquez reported that 40 of the 100 police officers hurt needed hospitalization. Vazquez informed local media site Milenio that another 20 bystanders had also been hurt.
According to the public safety secretary, 20 individuals were taken into custody, and another 20 were “referred for administrative offenses.”
In the western state of Michoacan, where resentment has erupted following the November 1 murder of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo, who was shot dead during a public Day of the Dead celebration, other marches were held in a number of Mexican cities.
Anger was directed toward Sheinbaum’s party by some protesters in Mexico City, who chanted, “Out, Morena.” With cries of “Carlos did not die, the government killed him,” several also demanded greater official action to combat crime and violence.
In a “manifesto” making the rounds on social media, a group organizing the protests under the name “Generation Z Mexico” claimed to be nonpartisan and to speak for Mexican young who are tired of corruption, violence, and power abuse.
People born between 1997 and 2012 are referred to as Generation Z. They follow in the footsteps of millennials, and protest groups around the world have adopted the term to advocate for social and political change.
The government of Sheinbaum has questioned the purpose of Saturday’s marches, claiming that they were largely planned by political opponents on the right and disseminated by social media bots.
