“Generation Z” takes to streets across Mexico to denounce rising violence

Thousands of demonstrators across Mexico took to the streets on November 15 under the banner of “Generation Z,” denouncing rising violence following the public killing of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo earlier this month.

In the capital, a small group of hooded protesters tore down fences surrounding the National Palace, the official residence of President Claudia Sheinbaum, leading to clashes with riot police who deployed tear gas, Reuters witnesses reported.

Mexico City’s Public Safety Secretary Pablo Vazquez said in a press conference that 100 police officers were injured, 40 of whom required hospital treatment. Another 20 civilians were also reported injured. Vazquez added that 20 people were arrested and another 20 “referred for administrative offenses,” according to local media outlet Milenio.

Protests also erupted in other cities, including in Michoacan, where anger has surged over the November 1 murder of Mayor Manzo, who was shot dead during a public Day of the Dead event.

In Mexico City, some demonstrators directed their anger at Sheinbaum’s party, chanting “Out, Morena” and calling for stronger government action against crime and violence, with slogans such as “Carlos did not die, the government killed him.”

The demonstrations were organized by a group calling itself “Generation Z Mexico,” which circulated a manifesto on social media describing itself as non-partisan and representing young Mexicans frustrated with violence, corruption, and abuse of power. Generation Z generally refers to those born between 1997 and 2012, a demographic that has mobilized globally to push for social and political change.

Sheinbaum’s government has questioned the protests’ motives, suggesting that right-leaning political opponents helped organize the marches and that the events were promoted by automated social media accounts.

By Vugar Khalilov