Mexico City: A powerful, youth-driven wave of protests swept across Mexico on Saturday, as thousands of young people rallied under the banner of “Generation Z Mexico” to denounce surging violence, corruption, and government inaction following the brutal assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo.
The flashpoint was Mexico City, where a faction of hooded demonstrators tore down sections of the security fencing around the National Palace, the residence of President Claudia Sheinbaum. Riot police responded with tear gas, and authorities confirmed significant injuries: 100 officers hurt, 40 of them seriously enough to require hospital care, along with 20 civilians wounded. In addition, 20 protesters were arrested, and another 20 were referred on administrative grounds.
Organizers under the “Generation Z Mexico” banner released a manifesto on social media, declaring their movement apolitical and driven by a generation “fed up with violence, corruption and abuse of power.” Protesters in the capital voiced sharp criticism of the ruling Morena party, chanting “Out, Morena” and accusing the government of abetting a climate of impunity.
The trigger for this unrest was the November 1 killing of Carlos Manzo a vocal anti-crime mayor who was shot during a Day of the Dead celebration. His death has reignited anger about the influence of organized crime in politics and the perceived inability of authorities to protect public officials.
President Sheinbaum’s government has questioned the movement’s motives, suggesting that right-leaning political opponents and even social media bots may have played a role in organizing or inflaming the protests.
This surge in youth activism is being closely watched analysts believe it could mark a turning point in Mexico’s social and political landscape, as a new generation demands real accountability and meaningful change.