Demonstrations in Mexico against Sheinbaum for the murder of a mayor and lack of security

Protesters carry Mexican flags and the One Piece manga flag during a march against the government of President Claudia Sheinbaum in Mexico City.

- author, Ruth Comerford and Ethirajan Anbarasan,
- Author title, International affairs correspondent
54 minutes

Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Mexico City to protest criminal violence and the government of President Claudia Sheinbaum.

The rally was called by “Generation Z” youth groups, and was supported by citizens demanding answers to the high-profile murders, including the murder of the mayor of Uruapan, Carlos Manzo, which occurred just a few weeks ago. He had demanded a tough stance against cartels.

Sheinbaum claimed that the marches, which also took place in other cities, were funded by right-wing politicians opposed to his government.

On Saturday, the demonstrators removed parts of the fence protecting the National Palace where the president resides, and the police, who were guarding the building, used tear gas against the groups.

Demonstrators participate in the march "For peace" Organized by Generation Z against the government of Mexico's President, Claudia Sheinbaum, in Guadalajara.

Some demonstrators paid tribute to the Mayor of Uruapan: they waved banners with slogans such as “We are all Carlos Manzo”, and others wore cowboy hats in his memory. Manzo was shot and killed on November 1 while participating in a Day of the Dead celebration.

He was known for his public condemnation of the presence of drug gangs in his municipality and the violence they generated. He called for strict measures to be taken against armed elements in the criminal groups plaguing the country.

Protesters attempt to tear down a fence during a demonstration against the government of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum in Plaza del Zocalo.

Chief Sheinbaum has taken action against the gangs, but has resisted launching what could be a new frontal battle against drugs. Similar initiatives by his predecessors ended in bloody episodes.

Days before the march, the president confirmed that the demonstration was being promoted by bots on the Internet. He said in an interview with journalists: “We support freedom of expression and demonstration if there are young people who have demands, but the question here is who is promoting the demonstration.” “People should know how this protest was organized so that no one is taken advantage of.”

People are trying to tear down the walls protecting the National Palace in Plaza del Zocalo.

Sheinbaum maintains approval levels above 70% in his first year in office, and has made progress in combating fentanyl trafficking, also a major issue for his American counterpart.

However, it has been criticized for failing to stop the violence plaguing the country and facing growing hostility from neighboring countries. This month, Peru’s Congress voted to declare Sheinbaum persona non grata, days after Peru severed diplomatic relations with Mexico after granting asylum to a former Peruvian president accused of a 2022 coup attempt.