Mexico City, November 16, 2025: Large-scale demonstrations led by Mexico’s Generation Z escalated into clashes in the capital on Saturday, as thousands took to the streets demanding stronger government action against worsening crime, corruption, and widespread impunity.
As reported by Al Jazeera, the protest—driven primarily by young activists—also drew participation from older opposition supporters and backers of Carlos Manzo, the late mayor of Michoacan who was fatally shot earlier this month during a public Day of the Dead celebration. His killing served as a catalyst for nationwide anger toward the government of President Claudia Sheinbaum, whom protesters accuse of failing to curb violence and corruption.
Tensions rose in Mexico City when hooded demonstrators pulled down security barriers near the National Palace, prompting riot police to intervene with tear gas. According to Pablo Vázquez, the city’s Public Safety Secretary, around 100 police officers were injured—40 of whom required hospitalisation—along with 20 wounded civilians.
Authorities detained 20 people, while another 20 were cited for administrative violations. Media outlets reported that officers pursued and beat several protesters in the Zócalo before the crowds began to disperse.
The movement, organised under the banner “Generation Z Mexico,” describes itself as non-partisan and says it represents young citizens exhausted by persistent violence and what they see as abuses of political power. However, a few Gen-Z influencers who initially supported the march withdrew their backing ahead of the protest. In contrast, prominent public figures—including former President Vicente Fox and businessman Ricardo Salinas Pliego—openly endorsed the demonstrations.
President Sheinbaum has accused right-wing groups of attempting to infiltrate the uprising and artificially boost its visibility through social media bots.
The surge of youth-led activism echoes similar Gen-Z protest waves across the world this year, including movements in Nepal and Madagascar, which focused on inequality, corruption, and governance failures.
Sheinbaum, who assumed office in October 2024 and continues to hold approval ratings above 70 percent, has nonetheless faced growing scrutiny over her administration’s approach to public security—pressure that intensified after Mayor Manzo’s assassination.
Marches honouring Manzo also took place in various Michoacan towns, with some supporters travelling to Mexico City to join the capital’s demonstrations.
