‘Gen-Z protests’ break out in Mexico after mayor’s killing

MEXICO CITY: Protests branded under the “Generation Z” or Gen-Z label swept across Mexico on Saturday as thousands of young people rallied against escalating violence, sparked by the brazen killing of an anti-crime mayor earlier this month.

In the capital, tensions flared when a group of masked protesters dismantled metal barricades surrounding the National Palace, the residence of President Claudia Sheinbaum. Riot police moved in swiftly, firing tear gas as clashes erupted, according to on-the-ground witnesses.

Mexico City’s public safety chief, Pablo Vázquez, said in a news briefing that about 100 police officers were injured, with 40 taken to hospital. He added that around 20 civilians were hurt. Authorities detained 20 protesters and cited another 20 for administrative violations.

Marches unfolded nationwide, including in Michoacán, where frustration has boiled over since the November 1 assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo, who was shot dead during a public Día de los Muertos celebration.

In Mexico City, some protesters focused their anger on the ruling Morena party, chanting, “Morena out,” while others demanded greater protection from criminal violence, shouting, “Carlos didn’t die… the government killed him.”

The demonstrations were convened by a group calling itself “Generation Z Mexico,” which circulated a manifesto online claiming the movement is non-partisan and driven by young people disillusioned with corruption, insecurity, and abuses of authority.

Generation Z typically includes those born between 1997 and 2012, and similar youth-led protest groups around the world have adopted the label in recent years.

Officials in Sheinbaum’s administration, however, have cast doubt on the authenticity of the movement, suggesting the rallies were amplified by right-leaning political groups and boosted by bot activity on social media.

POWERFUL VOICE AGAINST ORGANISED CRIME

Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Oropan in Mexico’s western state of Michoacán, was shot dead during a public ceremony marking the ‘Day of the Dead’.

Michoacán has long been one of Mexico’s most volatile regions, plagued by violence linked to powerful drug cartels and organised crime groups that extort local farmers and businesses.

Mayor Manzo was renowned to be a strong voice against organised crime and he was among the leaders who wanted the police to target cartels.