Thousands of young people marched through Mexico City on Saturday, demanding an end to corruption, crime, and government inaction. The protest, part of a coordinated effort across 52 Mexican cities and in countries such as the United States, Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands, turned violent in the Zócalo. Twenty civilians and more than 100 police officers were injured, and around 20 people were arrested.
Generation Z organized the protests in response to the 1 November assassination of Uruapan mayor Carlos Manzo, who had repeatedly warned federal authorities about organized crime in Michoacán. His murder symbolized systemic failure and sparked widespread anger among young citizens who feel unheard and vulnerable.
Students, local community members, activists, and opposition supporters joined the marches, calling for justice and structural reforms. According to Mexico City Security Secretary Pablo Vázquez, authorities continue investigating participants responsible for violence and property damage.
From Peaceful Demonstration to Chaos at the National Palace
The march began peacefully at the Angel of Independence, but violence erupted upon reaching the Zócalo. Members of a masked “black bloc” group broke through the crowd and attacked barriers protecting the National Palace with stones and hammers. Police responded with tear gas and fire extinguishers to restore order.
Sixty officers received treatment at the scene, while 40 were hospitalized, four requiring specialized care. Paramedics treated 20 injured civilians. Authorities charged several participants with violent conduct, and others face administrative sanctions. Officials continue identifying those responsible for property damage and clashes.
President Claudia Sheinbaum called for continued peaceful protests, stressing that meaningful change cannot come from violence. She minimized the protest’s size, claiming only a few youth participated, despite clear evidence of thousands in attendance.
Generation Z Demands Reform and Accountability
Mexico’s Generation Z movement positions itself as civic, independent, and non-partisan. Its slogan declares: “We are not left or right—we are the generation demanding respect and change.”
Before the march, activists released a 12-point civic agenda focused on creating a more accountable government. Key proposals include:
- Creating a citizen-led recall system for elected officials outside normal elections.
- Allowing the public to vote directly on replacements for recalled officials.
- Preventing political parties from influencing recalls, replacements, or oversight bodies.
- Establishing independent citizen councils to supervise government appointments and policies.
- Reforming the judicial system for speedier, more transparent justice.
- Creating citizen-controlled audits to track public spending and curb corruption.
- Building community-based safety initiatives to reduce reliance on militarized police.
- Guaranteeing accessible healthcare and education opportunities for young people.
- Expanding affordable housing programs and regulating gentrification practices.
- Implementing environmental protections and promoting sustainable urban development.
- Encouraging civic participation through youth councils and public advisory boards.
- Hosting nationwide consultations to allow citizens to propose additional policy priorities.
Similar youth-led movements have surged globally in Nepal, Mongolia, Togo, Madagascar, Morocco, Paraguay, Peru, Bangladesh, and Indonesia. Young people leverage social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X to organize large-scale demonstrations without relying on traditional media.
The common motivators worldwide include frustration with government corruption, economic instability, declining living standards, and limited opportunities. In Mexico, this generation demands not only systemic reform but a complete transformation of governance, emphasizing transparency, civic engagement, and public accountability.
