Mass protests have erupted in Mexico City as thousands demand action against growing violence and criticise the administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum. The demonstrations resulted in violent clashes, leaving approximately 120 people injured, including about 100 police officers, according to authorities.
The march on Saturday was largely driven by Gen Z activists and garnered widespread support following the recent murder of Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan. Manzo, known for his outspoken stance against drug cartels, was assassinated during Day of the Dead festivities on November 1. Protesters carried placards stating “We are all Carlos Manzo” and wore cowboy hats in his memory.
Protests were not limited to Mexico City but took place in various urban centres across the country. President Sheinbaum accused right-wing political groups of funding these rallies to destabilise her government. She also raised concerns about the use of social media manipulation, alleging that bots promoted the demonstrations.
“People should know how this demonstration was organised so that no one is used,” she said, emphasising the need for transparency.
During the protests, demonstrators tore down sections of a barricade protecting the National Palace—the President’s official residence—prompting police to respond with tear gas to disperse the crowds. Mexico City’s security chief, Pablo Vazquez, reported that 20 individuals were arrested on charges such as robbery and assault amid the unrest.
Carlos Manzo had been a vocal critic of cartel violence and persistently called for stronger government measures to tackle armed criminal factions plaguing many regions. While Sheinbaum has taken steps against organised crime, she has resisted calls for a renewed and aggressive drug war reminiscent of past administrations, where violent confrontations failed to deliver lasting peace but resulted in bloodshed.
Despite the protests, Sheinbaum maintains over 70% approval ratings in her first year and has made notable progress in combating fentanyl trafficking—a pressing concern shared by the United States, particularly amid its opioid crisis. Nevertheless, her administration faces sustained criticism for insufficient advances in reducing overall violence.
Regional diplomatic tensions have also affected Sheinbaum’s standing. Peru’s Congress recently declared her persona non grata following Mexico’s decision to grant asylum to a former Peruvian prime minister accused of involvement in a coup attempt in 2022, prompting Peru to sever diplomatic ties with Mexico.