Clashes Erupt at National Palace
Violence flared in the heart of Mexico City as thousands of demonstrators, predominantly from Generation Z, confronted police at the National Palace. The protest, which took place on Saturday, was initially organised by young activists but gained significant backing from older supporters of opposition parties.
The confrontation resulted in at least 120 people injured, with the majority being police officers. This marks one of the most significant outbreaks of public unrest since Claudia Sheinbaum assumed the presidency in October 2024.
Anger Fuelled by Mayor's Assassination
The protest was heavily charged with anger over the government's security policy. This public fury was catalysed by the high-profile murder of Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan in Michoacán state.
Manzo, who was assassinated on 1 November, had been leading a prominent crusade against drug-trafficking gangs. Many protesters honoured his memory, holding banners and wearing hats saluting the slain mayor, directly linking his death to their grievances with the current administration.
Political Repercussions and Public Sentiment
Despite the visible public anger, President Sheinbaum maintains robust approval ratings, consistently reported to be above 70%. However, the protest underscores a growing criticism of her government's approach to security, particularly following several other notable murders that have shaken public confidence.
The demonstration signifies a potent political challenge, illustrating how a single tragic event can mobilise a diverse coalition, from digitally-native Gen Z activists to established opposition groups, creating a unified front against perceived government failings.
