The Mexican government, according to the demonstrators, has not done enough to reduce violent crime. The demonstrations, according to President Claudia Sheinbaum, were “inorganic” and foreign-led.
The anti-government protests were characterized by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum as
The Mexican government’s security initiatives, according to the thousands who gathered on Saturday, have not been successful in reducing the country’s alarmingly high rate of violent crime.
The assassination of a mayor fighting crime earlier this month was a major catalyst for the demonstrations, which were organized under the banner of “Generation Z” in the same vein as similar youth movements elsewhere.
“Carlos did not die; the government killed him,” screamed demonstrators in Mexico City, alluding to the late mayor of Uruapan in the western state of Michoacan, who was shot and killed at a public Dia de Muertos ceremony on November 1.
Riot police used tear gas and fire extinguishers in response to conflicts started when a small group of hooded protestors tore down metal fences surrounding the National Palace, where Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum lives and works.
Reuters reports that in an incident involving Carlos Manzo, demonstrators yelled at security officers, demanding that they have safeguarded Manzo in this manner.
One hundred police officers were hurt, with forty needing medical attention, according to Pablo Vazquez, Mexico City’s secretary of public safety, who stated at a news conference.
There were 20 further individuals wounded, 20 more detained, and 20 more “referred for administrative offenses.”
According to Sheinbaum, protests are funded by foreign sources.
During her weekly morning press conference, President Sheinbaum cast doubt on the demonstrations’ intentions, calling them “inorganic” and “paid for.”
Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto claimed, “It is a movement promoted from abroad against the government,” implying that right-wing political opponents and social media bots were instrumental in its organization and promotion.
Some parts of the demonstrations were uniquely Mexican, while others had international overtones—for example, the use of the pirate flag from the Japanese manga “One Piece,” which has become a symbol of teenage protest around the world.
Some of the placards demanded the ouster of Sheinbaum’s MORENA party, while others paid tribute to the late Uruapan Mayor Manzo.
Dmytro Hubenko was the editor.
Matt Ford (in collaboration with AFP and Reuters)
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