A new youth-led movement, calling itself Generation Z Mexico, has sparked nationwide protests in Mexico, with thousands taking to the streets this weekend to demand action against rising violence, corruption and impunity. The unrest gripped more than 50 cities across the country, reflecting deep frustration among younger generations at the state of public security.
The immediate trigger for the protests was the assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo on November 1. Manzo, known for his outspoken stand against cartel violence, was gunned down during a Day of the Dead celebration, a killing that fuelled widespread anger among protesters.
In Mexico City, thousands marched from the Ángel de la Independencia monument toward the Zócalo. What began largely as a peaceful demonstration turned tense when a faction of hooded youth — reportedly part of a “black bloc” — dismantled barriers at the National Palace. Riot police responded with tear gas and force.
Authorities confirmed that around 120 people were injured during the clashes, including 100 policemen, some of whom required hospitalization.
UPI reported that among the injured officers, 60 were treated on-site, while 40 others were taken to hospital, four in need of specialized care. At least 20 protesters were arrested, according to city officials.
The protesters’ demands go beyond the mood of anger: their manifesto, circulated widely on social media, calls for a mechanism to recall public officials, independent oversight of institutions, justice reform, and a deep crackdown on corruption and impunity.
They describe themselves as non-partisan, rejecting alignment with any established political party.
But the government has pushed back, accusing parts of the movement of being orchestrated by right-wing actors, foreign-backed influencers, and political opponents. Officials have raised suspicions about a coordinated digital campaign — involving bots, automation, and outside financing — with alleged involvement from prominent figures and institutions.
President Claudia Sheinbaum, whose party Morena is in power, condemned the violence and called for peaceful protest. “Violence must never be used for change; always peacefully,” she said, even as she questioned the authenticity of the movement and its backers.
Among the symbols adopted by the protesters was the One Piece pirate flag, a cultural icon from Japanese manga that has been embraced globally by Gen-Z protest movements.
The movement appears to be tapping into a broader global trend, combining digital native activism with traditional street protest.
But the escalation has also raised fears: recent protests reportedly descended into antisemitic graffiti and hate speech, with messages scrawled on Mexico’s top court accusing President Sheinbaum — the country’s first Jewish leader — of corruption.
