In a significant display of unrest, thousands took to the streets of Mexico City on Saturday to voice their frustration against violent crime and the administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum. The demonstrations escalated into clashes, resulting in injuries to at least 120 individuals, including around 100 police officers, according to law enforcement officials.
Protesters demand action against violence
The protests were largely organized by Gen Z youth groups and received support from citizens outraged by high-profile murders, notably the recent assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo. Manzo, who was killed on November 1 while participating in a Day of the Dead festival, had been vocally advocating for stringent measures against drug cartels.
As protesters made their way through the capital, they dismantled portions of a barrier near the National Palace, where President Sheinbaum resides. In response, police deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd.
“We are all Carlos Manzo,”
was a common sentiment expressed through banners, while many participants donned cowboy hats as a tribute.
Government response and ongoing challenges
In the aftermath of the clashes, authorities announced the arrest of 20 individuals on charges ranging from robbery to assault, as reported by Mexico City’s security chief, Pablo Vazquez. Addressing the protests, Sheinbaum suggested that the demonstrations were influenced by right-wing political figures opposed to her government, claiming that some were promoted by online bots.
“We agree with freedom of expression and freedom of demonstration if there are young people who have demands, but the issue here is who is promoting the demonstration,” Sheinbaum stated during a briefing. Despite maintaining an approval rating exceeding 70% in her first year, she faces mounting criticism over her administration’s inability to effectively curb the ongoing violence in Mexico.
Internationally, Sheinbaum’s standing has been strained, particularly following a recent vote by Peru’s Congress to declare her a persona non grata after Mexico granted asylum to a former Peruvian prime minister embroiled in legal troubles related to a 2022 coup attempt. The current climate reflects a complex interplay of domestic unrest and international relations, underscoring the challenges facing Sheinbaum’s government.