
MEXICO CITY (AP) — A few thousand people took to the streets of Mexico City on Saturday to protest growing crime, corruption and impunity in a protest organized by members of Generation Z, but which ended with strong backing from older supporters of opposition parties.
In several countries this year, members of the demographic group born between the late 90s and early 2010s have organized protests against inequality, democratic backsliding and corruption.
The largest "Gen Z” protests took place in Nepal in September, following a ban on social media, and led to the resignation of that nation’s prime minister. In Mexico, many young people say they are frustrated with systemic problems like corruption and impunity for violent crimes.
“We need more security” said Andres Massa, a 29-year-old business consultant who carried the pirate skull flag that has become a global symbol of Gen Z protests.
Arizbeth Garcia, a 43-year-old physician who joined the protests said she was marching for more funding for the public health system, and for better security because doctors “are also exposed to the insecurity gripping the country, where you can be murdered and nothing happens.”
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum still has high approval ratings despite a recent spate of high profile murders that includes the assassination of a popular mayor in the western state of Michoacan.
In the days leading up to Saturday’s protest, Sheinbaum accused right-wing parties of trying to infiltrate the Gen Z movement, and of using bots on social media to try to increase attendance.
This week some “Gen Z” social media influencers said they no longer backed Saturday’s protests. While elderly figures like former President Vicente Fox, and Mexican billionaire Ricardo Salinas Pliego published messages in support of the protests.
Saturday’s march was attended by people from several age groups, with supporters of the recently killed Michoacan Mayor Carlos Manzo, attending the protest wearing the straw hats that symbolize his political movement.
“The state is dying,” said Rosa Maria Avila, a 65-year-old real estate agent who traveled from the town of Patzcuaro in Michoacan state.
“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,” she said of Manzo.
LATEST POSTS
- 1
David Duchovny's new thriller has him stripping down at 65. But its chilling premise hits close to home. - 2
Shooting of MIT professor Nuno Loureiro has police searching for a suspect - 3
How Much Has the Iran War Cost the Average American Per Day? - 4
The Universe of Impeccable Pearls: A Manual for Valuable Gems - 5
France, Germany, Italy summon Iranian envoys over 'unbearable, inhumane' regime crackdown
6 Robot Vacuum Cleaners for Easy Home Cleaning
The Best Games Crossroads in History
Bennu asteroid samples provide clues about solar system origins and 'space gum'
Police investigate Lahav 433 officer accused of sexually harassing subordinate policewoman
6 Exercises to Anticipate in 2024
Advocacy groups react after Mattel introduces 1st Barbie doll with autism
6 Eyewear Brands Worth Purchasing
Rescuers give up hope for the humpback whale stranded in the Baltic Sea
Instructions to Pick the Right Gold Speculation Procedure: Exploring the Market












