Mexico City witnessed violent confrontations on Saturday as thousands of demonstrators clashed with police during anti-government protests. The protests, organized by Gen Z youth groups, were fueled by rising public anger over violent crime and the recent assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo, a vocal critic of drug cartels. At least 120 people, including 100 police officers, were injured in the unrest. Protesters dismantled parts of a barrier protecting the National Palace, prompting police to deploy tear gas to disperse the crowds. Authorities arrested 20 individuals for crimes such as robbery and assault. Protesters carried banners with messages like ‘We are all Carlos Manzo’ and wore cowboy hats in his honor. Manzo, who was shot dead on November 1 during a Day of the Dead festival, had been a prominent advocate for tougher action against cartel violence. President Claudia Sheinbaum, who has resisted calls for an all-out war on drugs, accused right-wing politicians of funding the protests and claimed the demonstrations were promoted by online bots. Despite her efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking and maintain a 70% approval rating, Sheinbaum faces criticism for failing to curb the country’s escalating violence. The protests also highlighted Mexico’s strained diplomatic relations, particularly with Peru, which recently declared Sheinbaum persona non grata following Mexico’s decision to grant asylum to a former Peruvian prime minister implicated in a 2022 coup attempt.
Thousands protest against government in Mexico as clashes leave 120 injured
