Thousands marched in Mexico City in a Gen Z‑organised protest against crime, corruption and impunity, but the movement was largely supported and attended by older opposition backers. The demonstration, which included supporters of the slain Michoacán mayor Carlos Manzo, turned violent near the National Palace as reports said security forces fired tear gas and stones were thrown during clashes. President Claudia Sheinbaum accused right‑wing groups of trying to infiltrate the youth movement and using social media bots. The protests echo Gen Z‑led actions this year in countries such as Nepal and Madagascar, which produced significant political consequences.
Gen Z‑Organised Mexico City Protest Over Crime and Corruption Draws Older Opposition Supporters and Turns Violent
Thousands marched in Mexico City in a Gen Z‑organised protest against crime, corruption and impunity, but the movement was largely supported and attended by older opposition backers. The demonstration, which included supporters of the slain Michoacán mayor Carlos Manzo, turned violent near the National Palace as reports said security forces fired tear gas and stones were thrown during clashes. President Claudia Sheinbaum accused right‑wing groups of trying to infiltrate the youth movement and using social media bots. The protests echo Gen Z‑led actions this year in countries such as Nepal and Madagascar, which produced significant political consequences.
04:42 AM, 11/16/2025Politics
Thousands March in Mexico City as Gen Z Movement Attracts Older Opposition Backers
Thousands of people marched through Mexico City on Saturday to protest rising crime, corruption and impunity. The demonstration was initiated by members of Generation Z but ultimately drew broad support and attendance from older critics of the government, including supporters of opposition parties.
People from several age groups participated. Supporters of the slain Michoacán mayor Carlos Manzo attended wearing the straw hats that have come to symbolize his political movement.
In the days leading up to the march, some Gen Z social media influencers said they would no longer back the action, even as prominent public figures — including former President Vicente Fox and businessman Ricardo Salinas Pliego — posted messages of support.
President Claudia Sheinbaum accused right‑wing parties of attempting to infiltrate the Gen Z movement and said they were using social media bots to try to boost attendance.
Part of a Wider Wave of Youth Activism
Activism led by members of Generation Z has spread to several countries in Asia and Africa this year, with young organizers protesting inequality, democratic backsliding and corruption. The largest recent Gen Z‑led demonstrations occurred in Nepal in September after a social media ban, a crisis that contributed to the resignation of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
Madagascar also experienced major unrest in the same period, initially sparked by prolonged water and electricity shortages that highlighted broader government failures and allegations of corruption; reports say weeks of protests culminated in the dissolution of the government and a change in leadership.
Clashes Near the National Palace
Saturday’s march escalated into violence as demonstrators neared the National Palace in the capital’s main Zócalo square. Local outlet El Universal reported that "protesters accuse the federal government of repression," and said security forces fired tear gas. The report also noted that stones were thrown during the clashes.
"With their shields and stones, they [security forces] physically assaulted young people demonstrating in … Zócalo, who ended up injured and assisted by doctors who were also marching and ERUM [Emergency Rescue and Medical Emergencies Squadron] personnel," El Universal quoted witnesses as saying.
The newspaper added that police officers, after "chasing and beating protesters on the Zócalo plaza" for several minutes, forced people to leave the area and dispersed the remaining demonstrators.
Voices from the March
Many young Mexicans say they are frustrated with systemic problems such as corruption and the impunity surrounding violent crimes. "We need more security," said Andrés Massa, a 29‑year‑old business consultant who carried the pirate skull flag that has become a global symbol of Gen Z protests, speaking to The Associated Press.
Claudia Cruz, a 43‑year‑old physician who joined the march, said she was demanding increased funding for the public health system and better security because doctors "are also exposed to the insecurity gripping the country, where you can be murdered and nothing happens."
Despite a recent spate of high‑profile killings, including Manzo’s murder, President Sheinbaum continues to hold relatively high approval ratings.