Protests erupted in Mexico City on Saturday, driven by members of Generation Z who demanded accountability from President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government following the assassination of a local mayor. The heavy youth turnout during the riots is indicative of a growing frustration among young people, especially minorities. They are frustrated at their country’s deteriorating security environment and the government’s failure to effectively respond to crime.
Claudia Sheinbaum, who took office in October 2018, has consistently received approval ratings of more than 70%. As her administration marks its second year, she is experiencing increasing criticism of her administration’s security policies. This backlash follows a recent spate of high-profile killings that have horrified the country. The demonstration highlighted the recent assassination of Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez. He was the mayor of Uruapan in the southwestern state of Michoacán and became a victim of the violence on Nov. 1. Manzo Rodríguez had been credited with leading a successful crusade against the drug trafficking mafia in his town.
Most of the protesters were under 30— supporters of opposition parties. They channeled their anger into actions like waving banners and donning hats that honored Manzo Rodríguez. They flew the black flags emblazoned with the pirate skull logo that has come to symbolize recent Gen Z protests. Younger activists flooded the streets with enthusiasm and anger. Veteran supporters quickly mobilized as well, united under their combined frustrations at the government’s failure to act on safety and security.
Forcing Compound tensions skyrocketed as hundreds of young protestors confronted police, leading to outbreaking violence. When Law Enforcement responded with crowd management tactics, they responded by throwing projectiles themselves, further heightening tensions. This violent confrontation led to injury of at least 120 people, mostly police officers. Of those injured, about 100 were law enforcement officers, with 40 needing hospital treatment for minor injuries such as bruises and cuts.
Rosa Maria Avila, a friend of Manzo Rodríguez, said she was appalled by the violence directed at public servants. She stated, “He was killed because he was a man who was sending officers into the mountains to fight delinquents.”
The social unrest indicates a critical juncture for Sheinbaum’s administration amid escalating citizen discontent over security failures. Even though her administration continues to enjoy a strong approval rating, these protests represent an ever deepening gap between the expectations of youth and the actions of their government.