Violent clashes erupted between demonstrators and police forces during a major protest near Mexico City's National Palace, leaving at least 120 people injured.
Peaceful March Descends Into Chaos
What began as a peaceful demonstration organised by Generation Z activists quickly escalated into violent confrontations on Saturday. Thousands had gathered to protest against the government of President Claudia Sheinbaum, who has faced mounting criticism over her security policies.
Pablo Vázquez, Mexico City's security chief, confirmed that 100 police officers were injured during the clashes, with 40 requiring hospital treatment for bruises and cuts. An additional 20 protesters were also reported injured in the disturbances.
Anger Over Mayor's Assassination Fuels Protests
The demonstration was largely driven by anger over the assassination of Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan in Michoacan state. Manzo, who was killed on 1 November, had been leading a crusade against drug trafficking gangs in his town.
Many protesters carried banners and wore hats paying tribute to the slain mayor. Rosa Maria Avila, a 65-year-old real estate agent who travelled from Michoacan state, stated: "He was killed because he was a man who was sending officers into the mountains to fight delinquents. He had the guts to confront them."
The protest gained significant backing from older supporters of opposition parties, expanding beyond its initial Gen Z organisers.
Confrontation at the National Palace
Protesters gathered in front of the National Palace, where President Sheinbaum both lives and works, and managed to knock down sections of the metal fencing surrounding the building.
Police protecting the compound responded with tear gas and fire extinguishers as protesters banged on the remaining fences. Some demonstrators shouted at security forces: "This is how you should have protected Carlos Manzo."
Hundreds of young people threw projectiles at police lines, while officers deployed their shields and threw objects back at the crowd. The pirate skull flag, which has become a global symbol of Gen Z protests, was prominently displayed throughout the demonstration.
In the days leading up to the protest, President Sheinbaum had accused right-wing parties of attempting to infiltrate the Gen Z movement and using social media bots to boost attendance. She described it as "a movement promoted from abroad against the government."
Despite the violence, Sheinbaum maintains approval ratings above 70% since taking office in October 2024, though several high-profile murders have placed her security policies under intense scrutiny.
