Mexico: Generation Z Protestors Clash With Police

Gen Z-led Protesters Clash With Police Over Rising Insecurity Mexico Thousands of people took to the streets of Mexico’s capital Saturday to protest against rising crime, corruption, and impunity from prosecution in a demonstration led by Gen Z activists but joined by older opposition supporters, the Associated Press reported. The protest began peacefully but later descended into clashes near the National Palace in Mexico City, where President Claudia Sheinbaum resides. Protesters dismantled parts of a security barrier and threw stones, fireworks, and chains at police, who responded with tear gas. Authorities said at least 120 people were injured, including 100 police officers. Twenty people were arrested. The marches were organized by members of Generation Z – people born between the late 1990s and early 2010s – with participants carrying signs denouncing insecurity and government inaction. Others rallied against the assassination of Mayor Carlos Manzo, who was killed in the western city of Uruapan earlier this month. Manzo was known for confronting drug cartels in Michoacán state and has become a rallying symbol for protesters demanding stronger action against the criminal organizations, the BBC noted. While Sheinbaum has increased efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking and cartel violence, her administration has come under scrutiny in recent months over a series of high-profile assassinations. The president – who retains an approval rating above 70 percent after her first year in office – dismissed Saturday’s protests as politically driven. She accused right-wing opponents of financing the marches and using bots to amplify calls for participation. Former President Vicente Fox and Mexican billionaire Ricardo Salinas Pliego expressed support for the demonstrations, while some Gen Z protesters said earlier this week they would not back the weekend rallies.