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Mexico City protests turn violent as 120 injured in anti-government rallies
At least 120 people-including 100 police officers-were injured in clashes during anti-government protests in Mexico City on Saturday, authorities reported. Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets to condemn violent crime and express dissatisfaction with President Claudia Sheinbaum's administration.
Protests organized by Gen Z, fueled by recent killings
The rallies, primarily led by Gen Z youth groups, drew widespread support from citizens outraged by high-profile assassinations, including the recent killing of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo. Manzo, known for his vocal stance against drug cartels, was shot dead on 1 November while attending a Day of the Dead festival. Protesters carried banners reading "We are all Carlos Manzo" and wore cowboy hats in his memory.
Demonstrators dismantled sections of a barrier shielding the National Palace, where Sheinbaum resides. Police responded with tear gas to disperse the crowds. Mexico City security chief Pablo Vazquez confirmed 20 arrests for offenses such as robbery and assault.
Sheinbaum accuses right-wing opposition of funding protests
President Sheinbaum dismissed the demonstrations as politically motivated, claiming they were financed by right-wing opponents. In a press briefing, she suggested the protests were artificially amplified, pointing to online bot activity promoting the event.
"We support freedom of expression and peaceful protest, but people should know how this demonstration was organized so that no one is manipulated," Sheinbaum stated.
Despite her 70% approval rating in her first year, critics argue she has failed to curb Mexico's escalating violence. While her government has targeted fentanyl trafficking-a priority for U.S. relations-her refusal to launch an all-out war on cartels has drawn backlash.
Diplomatic tensions flare with Peru
The protests coincide with growing international friction. Earlier this month, Peru's Congress declared Sheinbaum persona non grata after Mexico granted asylum to a former Peruvian prime minister accused of involvement in a 2022 coup attempt. The move followed Peru's severing of diplomatic ties with Mexico.
Background: Cartel violence and political pressure
Manzo's assassination underscores Mexico's ongoing struggle with cartel violence. His calls for stronger action against armed groups had made him a prominent figure in the fight against organized crime. Sheinbaum's cautious approach-avoiding a full-scale drug war-contrasts with past administrations whose aggressive tactics led to widespread bloodshed.
