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Gen-Z protests in Mexico have spread across various parts of the country in opposition to the government policies that they believe have failed to protect citizens’ lives amid intensifying violence.

The protests, carried out under the banner of "Generation Z" in the style of similar youth movements around the world, were particularly prompted by the murder of an anti-crime mayor earlier this month. Demonstrators in Mexico City blamed the government for the killing of the Mayor of Uruapan in the western state, chanting, "Carlos did not die; the government killed him."

He was shot dead at a public Day of the Dead (Dia de Muertos) event on November 1. A small group of hooded protesters tore down the metal fences around the National Palace, where Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum lives and works, prompting clashes with riot police who responded with tear gas and fire extinguishers.

During the ensuing clashes, protesters told security forces, "This is how you should have protected Carlos Manzo.” City’s public safety secretary, Pablo Vazquez, said in a press conference that more than 100 police officers were injured, including 40 who were rushed to the hospital for treatment.

 

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Besides, 20 civilians were injured, while 20 more were arrested and another 20 "referred for administrative offences". Earlier this week, President Sheinbaum questioned the motives behind the demonstrations and said at her regular morning press conference that the protests were "inorganic" and "paid for".

She claimed these protests were organised and funded from abroad to undermine her government, a routine accusation used by governments around the world to evade accountability.

 

She pointed out that, while there were international elements to the protests, such as the pirate flag emblematic of the Japanese manga "One Piece", which has become a symbol of global youth protest, other aspects were distinctly Mexican.

 

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