Thousands rally against Sheinbaum over rising crime, corruption – Firstpost

Thousands of Gen Z protesters took to the streets of Mexico City on Saturday to demonstrate against rising crime and corruption across Mexico. While the protest was organized by members of Generation Z, it received strong support from older supporters of the opposition parties.

The protests in Mexico come at a time when, as in many countries this year, members of the demographic group born between the late 90s and early 2010s have organized protests raising concerns over inequality, democratic decline and corruption in various countries around the world.

For example, the largest Gen Z protest took place in Nepal in September following a ban on social media. The protests ultimately led to the resignation of the country’s Prime Minister and the establishment of an interim government.

Why is Gen Z protesting in Mexico?

When it comes to Mexico, young people say they are frustrated by systemic problems in the country, such as corruption and impunity for violent crimes. “We need more security,” said Andres Massa, a 29-year-old business consultant, who carried a pirate skull flag that has become a global symbol of Gen Z protests. cnn Informed.

While protests occur frequently in the country, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum still has high approval ratings. The protests come amid recent high-profile killings, including that of a popular mayor in the western state of Michoacán.

Days before Saturday’s demonstrations, Sheinbaum accused right-wing parties of trying to infiltrate the Gen Z movement. He accused his political enemies of using bots on social media to increase their presence.

Saturday’s marches were more than just Gen Z protests and were attended by people of all ages, including supporters of recently assassinated Michoacan Mayor Carlos Manzo, who joined the protest wearing straw hats, the symbol of his political movement.

“The state is dying,” said Rosa María Avila, a 65-year-old real estate agent who came from the city of Pátzcuaro in Michoacán state. Speaking about Manzo she told CNN, “He was killed because he was a guy who was sending officers into the mountains to fight criminals. He had the courage to confront them.”