Mexico City: Widespread protests have erupted across Mexico after the assassination of Michoacán Mayor Carlos Manjo earlier this month. Led largely by Gen Z activists, thousands of demonstrators took to the streets to demand action against corruption, violence, and governmental failures.
The killing occurred during a public “Day of the Dead” event at the start of November, sparking outrage nationwide. In Mexico City, protesters clashed with authorities outside the presidential residence, breaking the perimeter fence of President Claudia Sheinbaum’s National Palace, prompting police to respond with tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Protesters accused the government of misuse of power and inaction against violence, chanting slogans targeting President Sheinbaum’s party, Morena. Some demonstrators demanded stronger state measures to combat crime, declaring, “Carlos wasn’t killed, the government killed him.”
The demonstrations have largely been organized by a social movement identifying itself as “Gen Z Mexico”, which claims to represent young Mexicans frustrated by violence, corruption, and systemic abuse of authority. The group has emphasized that it is non-partisan, but its calls for accountability have resonated widely.
The Sheinbaum administration, meanwhile, has questioned the motives behind the marches, suggesting that right-wing political opponents orchestrated the demonstrations and amplified them via social media bots.
The protests highlight rising public anger over governance issues in Mexico, with citizens demanding urgent reforms and accountability in the wake of high-profile political assassinations.
