Thousands of young people flooded Mexico City on Saturday in a national protest against corruption, crime, and government inaction. The march stretched across 52 cities in Mexico and internationally, including the U.S., Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands. By the end of the day, violent clashes at the Zócalo left 20 civilians and over 100 police officers injured, with roughly 20 arrests.
The demonstrations ignited after Uruapan mayor Carlos Manzo was murdered on 1 November. Manzo had repeatedly warned federal authorities about organized crime in Michoacán, but his pleas went unanswered. His death became a catalyst for youth outrage, amplifying frustration with systemic corruption and public neglect.
Students, workers, activists, and ordinary citizens joined the protest, carrying signs denouncing violence and demanding accountability. Mexico City Security Secretary Pablo Vázquez confirmed the injuries and arrests and stated that authorities are identifying individuals responsible for criminal acts.
Peaceful March Turns Chaotic at the National Palace
The march remained calm until protesters reached the Zócalo. A masked group called the “black bloc” broke through the crowd and attacked metal fences protecting the National Palace. They struck the barricades with stones, sticks, and hammers, prompting a swift police response.
Officers used tear gas and fire extinguishers to contain the violence. Medical teams treated 60 officers on site and transported 40 to hospitals, four of whom required specialized care. Paramedics treated 20 civilians at the scene.
Authorities processed detainees for violent conduct and administrative offenses. Investigators are analyzing footage to identify those involved in the attacks. President Claudia Sheinbaum called for peaceful demonstrations and condemned violence, emphasizing dialogue over confrontation, while downplaying the size of the marches.
Generation Z Demands Civic Reform
Mexico’s Generation Z movement identifies as civic-minded, non-partisan, and independent. Their motto states: “We are neither left nor right—we are citizens demanding action.”
Ahead of the national protest, the group released a detailed 12-point platform focused on systemic change:
- Enable citizens to propose and vote on leadership recalls independently of political parties.
- Require public elections for any replacement leaders after recalls.
- Guarantee transparency and citizen oversight in all political appointments.
- Create independent councils to monitor institutional performance and prevent corruption.
- Reform the judiciary to deliver swift, fair, and accountable justice.
- Launch citizen audits for all government spending and contracts.
- Implement community-led security programs instead of militarized policing.
- Expand educational and vocational opportunities for young people.
- Introduce policies ensuring affordable housing and protection against gentrification.
- Promote environmental stewardship and citizen-led urban planning initiatives.
- Include respected civic leaders in decision-making councils.
- Establish a public consultation process to allow citizens to propose additional reforms.
Generation Z activism in Mexico mirrors global trends, with similar movements in Nepal, Mongolia, Togo, Madagascar, Morocco, Paraguay, Peru, Bangladesh, and Indonesia. Young people organize primarily through social media, bypassing traditional media outlets.
The causes unite them worldwide: frustration with corrupt governance, economic hardship, lack of opportunity, and declining quality of life. In Mexico, the movement pushes for a fundamental shift in government accountability, transparency, and citizen empowerment.
