Thousands of young people marched across Mexico on Saturday, demanding an end to corruption, violence, and government neglect. The protest in Mexico City escalated at the Zócalo, injuring 20 civilians and over 100 police officers, and resulted in about 20 arrests.
Generation Z coordinated demonstrations in 52 Mexican cities and internationally, including the United States, Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands. The movement gained momentum after the 1 November assassination of Uruapan mayor Carlos Manzo, who had repeatedly urged authorities to confront organized crime in Michoacán. His death became the catalyst for youth anger and nationwide mobilization.
The protest drew students, activists, rural workers, opposition supporters, and concerned citizens. Many voiced frustration over systemic failures, rising crime, and limited opportunities. Authorities confirmed injuries and arrests while investigating those responsible for property damage and violent actions.
Chaos at the Zócalo
The march began peacefully at the Angel of Independence but turned violent at the National Palace. A masked group, the “black bloc,” broke through the main crowd, striking barricades with hammers and stones. Police responded with tear gas and fire extinguishers to contain the escalation.
Medical teams treated 60 officers at the scene and transported 40 to hospitals, with four requiring specialized care. Paramedics attended to 20 injured civilians. Authorities detained participants involved in violent acts and filed administrative charges for others. Investigators continue reviewing video footage to identify all participants who engaged in criminal behavior.
President Claudia Sheinbaum called for peaceful demonstrations, condemning the violence and urging dialogue. She described the protests as limited in scale, although thousands attended across the capital.
Generation Z Unveils Civic Reform Agenda
Mexico’s Generation Z movement positions itself as independent and non-partisan, emphasizing civic responsibility. Their slogan declares: “We are neither left nor right; we demand change for Mexico.”
The group released a 12-point reform agenda highlighting systemic transformation and youth empowerment. Key priorities include:
- Implementing citizen-led oversight councils for government transparency.
- Launching community review boards to monitor public safety programs.
- Creating youth advisory panels to influence municipal and national policies.
- Establishing independent anti-corruption commissions with public reporting requirements.
- Guaranteeing citizen-initiated recall mechanisms for elected officials.
- Mandating open and competitive selection for interim or replacement leaders.
- Expanding affordable housing and preventing displacement in urban areas.
- Developing nationwide education and job programs targeted at young people.
- Promoting access to health services and mental health support.
- Requiring citizen participation in budgeting decisions for local and federal projects.
- Instituting rapid-response judicial processes to ensure accountability in corruption cases.
- Encouraging civic engagement campaigns to increase political literacy and awareness.
Generation Z’s movement mirrors a global pattern of youth-led civic activism, with similar protests in Nepal, Mongolia, Togo, Peru, Bangladesh, and Indonesia. Digital platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and X allow rapid coordination without relying on traditional media.
Protesters worldwide share common grievances: corruption, economic instability, declining living standards, and lack of opportunity. In some nations, youth uprisings have already shifted political landscapes. In Mexico, Generation Z seeks not only policy reform but a comprehensive reimagining of governance, accountability, and citizen participation.
