Thousands Protest Crime and Corruption in Mexico City as 'Gen Z' Protests Gain Momentum
Several thousand people took to the streets of Mexico City on Saturday to protest crime, corruption, and impunity.
MEXICO CITY: Several thousand people took to the streets of Mexico City on Saturday to protest crime, corruption, and impunity in a demonstration organized by members of Generation Z.
The event gained significant support from older supporters of opposition parties, showcasing a broad base for discontent with systemic issues.
The demonstration began peacefully but escalated as some young protesters clashed with police officers.
Protesters used stones, fireworks, sticks, and chains to attack the police, managing to seize shields and other equipment.
According to Mexico City's security secretary, Pablo Vázquez, 120 individuals were injured during the protests, with 100 of those being police officers.
Additionally, 20 people were arrested.
The 'Gen Z' protests are not an isolated phenomenon; this year, members of this demographic have organized demonstrations across various countries to address issues such as inequality, democratic backsliding, and corruption.
The largest Gen Z protest occurred in Nepal in September following a ban on social media, leading to the resignation of the nation's prime minister.
In Mexico, frustration among young people stems from systemic problems like corruption and impunity for violent crimes.
Andres Massa, a 29-year-old business consultant, expressed a common sentiment by stating, "We need more security," while carrying the pirate skull flag that has become a symbol of these global protests.
The protest saw participation not only from the younger demographic but also from older supporters, including former President Vicente Fox and Mexican billionaire Ricardo Salinas Pliego, who voiced their support through social media messages.
The march was also attended by individuals from various age groups, some wearing straw hats in memory of Carlos Manzo, a recently murdered mayor from Michoacan state.
Rosa Maria Avila, a 65-year-old real estate agent from Patzcuaro in Michoacan state, lamented the loss of her local leader and stated that he was targeted because he actively confronted delinquent activities.
His death has reignited concerns about corruption and security issues within Mexico.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum maintains high approval ratings despite recent high-profile murders.
In the days leading up to the protest, she accused right-wing parties of attempting to infiltrate the Gen Z movement and using social media bots to boost attendance figures.
This accusation was met with mixed reactions, as some Gen Z influencers announced their disassociation from the protests.
Despite these divisions, the demonstration highlighted widespread discontent among Mexicans regarding crime, corruption, and a lack of accountability for criminal activities.
The protest's multi-generational participation underscores the deep-seated concerns that continue to plague Mexican society.
The event gained significant support from older supporters of opposition parties, showcasing a broad base for discontent with systemic issues.
The demonstration began peacefully but escalated as some young protesters clashed with police officers.
Protesters used stones, fireworks, sticks, and chains to attack the police, managing to seize shields and other equipment.
According to Mexico City's security secretary, Pablo Vázquez, 120 individuals were injured during the protests, with 100 of those being police officers.
Additionally, 20 people were arrested.
The 'Gen Z' protests are not an isolated phenomenon; this year, members of this demographic have organized demonstrations across various countries to address issues such as inequality, democratic backsliding, and corruption.
The largest Gen Z protest occurred in Nepal in September following a ban on social media, leading to the resignation of the nation's prime minister.
In Mexico, frustration among young people stems from systemic problems like corruption and impunity for violent crimes.
Andres Massa, a 29-year-old business consultant, expressed a common sentiment by stating, "We need more security," while carrying the pirate skull flag that has become a symbol of these global protests.
The protest saw participation not only from the younger demographic but also from older supporters, including former President Vicente Fox and Mexican billionaire Ricardo Salinas Pliego, who voiced their support through social media messages.
The march was also attended by individuals from various age groups, some wearing straw hats in memory of Carlos Manzo, a recently murdered mayor from Michoacan state.
Rosa Maria Avila, a 65-year-old real estate agent from Patzcuaro in Michoacan state, lamented the loss of her local leader and stated that he was targeted because he actively confronted delinquent activities.
His death has reignited concerns about corruption and security issues within Mexico.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum maintains high approval ratings despite recent high-profile murders.
In the days leading up to the protest, she accused right-wing parties of attempting to infiltrate the Gen Z movement and using social media bots to boost attendance figures.
This accusation was met with mixed reactions, as some Gen Z influencers announced their disassociation from the protests.
Despite these divisions, the demonstration highlighted widespread discontent among Mexicans regarding crime, corruption, and a lack of accountability for criminal activities.
The protest's multi-generational participation underscores the deep-seated concerns that continue to plague Mexican society.
