Mexico Unrest: Young Activists Lead Mass Protests Against Crime and Corruption

Thousands of people have rallied across Mexico, protesting against growing crime, corruption and impunity, which, though organised by members of Generation Z, ended up being mostly backed and attended by older supporters of opposition parties. The marches on Saturday were attended by people from several age groups, with supporters of the slain Michoacan Mayor Carlos Manzo attending the protest wearing the straw hats that symbolise his political movement. According to eyewitnesses, the protests turned violent in Mexico City, with demonstrators dismantling parts of a barrier protecting the National Palace during the rally in the Zocalo square. "We are fed up with the corruption and violence that plagues our country," said Maria Rodriguez, a 25-year-old university student who attended the protest. "We want change, and we're willing to fight for it." Rodriguez, who is a member of the Generation Z group that organised the protest, added that the movement is not just about the younger generation, but about bringing people together to demand change. The protests were sparked by a growing sense of frustration among Mexicans over the country's high levels of crime and corruption. According to official statistics, Mexico has one of the highest rates of homicide in the world, with over 30,000 murders reported in 2024 alone. The country's corruption index has also been ranked as one of the worst in the world, with many Mexicans feeling that the government is not doing enough to address these issues. The protests have been widely covered in the international media, with many analysts noting the similarities between the Mexican protests and those that have taken place in other countries, such as Chile and Colombia. "The Mexican protests are part of a broader trend of social unrest in Latin America," said Dr. Ana Maria Sanchez, a political analyst at the University of Mexico. "Young people are demanding change and accountability from their governments, and it's a movement that's not going to go away anytime soon." As the protests continue, the Mexican government has vowed to address the concerns of the protesters. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has promised to increase security measures and crack down on corruption, but many Mexicans remain skeptical about the government's ability to deliver on these promises. The protests are expected to continue in the coming days, with many organisers planning to hold a series of rallies and demonstrations across the country. In a statement, the Mexican government said that it respects the right to peaceful protest, but condemned the violence that broke out during the rally in Mexico City. "We urge all parties to remain calm and to engage in constructive dialogue," the statement said. The government has also announced plans to hold a national dialogue to address the concerns of the protesters and to find solutions to the country's problems. The international community has been watching the protests closely, with many countries offering their support to the Mexican government. The United States, in particular, has been a vocal supporter of the Mexican government's efforts to address corruption and crime. "We stand in solidarity with the Mexican people and their government as they work to address these critical issues," said a spokesperson for the US State Department.