Walls of presidential residence demolished, police attacked with hammers and firecrackers; Why is Mexico’s GenZ protesting?

New Delhi: Thousands of GenZ supporters took to the streets in Mexico on Saturday, November 15, to protest rising crime, corruption, impunity for violence, public killings, and a lack of security.

This anger was further fuelled by the murder of a mayor. On November 1, Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo was shot dead during an event in Mexico’s western state of Michoacan.

Angry GenZ protesters demolished the security walls of the National Palace, the president’s official residence. Protesters attacked police with stones, hammers, firecrackers, sticks, and chains. Police used tear gas to disperse them.

Pablo Vazquez, the capital’s security secretary, told The Independent that 120 people were injured in the protests, 100 of them police officers, and 20 were arrested.

Gen Z demands improved security and healthcare

This year, Gen Z youth in many countries have taken to the streets to protest inequality, the decline of democracy, and corruption. In Nepal, a social media ban in September sparked large protests, forcing the Prime Minister to resign.

In Mexico, young people are also upset with corruption and the impunity afforded to violent crime. “We want more security,” said Andres Massa, a 29-year-old business consultant.

The protests were attended not only by young people but also by middle-aged and elderly people in large numbers. Arisbeth Garcia, a 43-year-old physician, said, “We want more funding for the public healthcare system. But the biggest problem is security. Even doctors are unsafe. Someone gets killed here and nothing happens.”

President Sheinbaum’s accusations fuel opposition protests

Recent high-profile assassinations in Mexico have fuelled public anger against President Claudia Sheinbaum. Days before the protests, Sheinbaum levelled serious accusations against right-wing opposition parties.

She said these groups are infiltrating the Gen Z movement and using social media to amplify the protests.

Luffy from One Piece becomes Gen Z symbol

In the protests, Gen Z are using the character “Luffy” from the Japanese comic “One Piece” as their symbol. Protesters are seen carrying the skull cap symbol, which is Luffy’s hallmark.

Leonardo Munyos, a student leader, said, “Luffy goes from place to place, liberating the people from corrupt and authoritarian rulers. The situation is the same here. We will not remain silent any longer.”

Student Santiago Zapata said, “We are tired of the normalisation of death and corruption. Our generation will not remain silent any longer. The government should fear the people, not the people the government.”