Key Highlights
- Thousands of people protested crime and corruption in Mexico City.
- The demonstration was organized by members of Generation Z but received backing from older supporters.
- Several protesters clashed with police, resulting in 120 injuries, mostly to the police force.
- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s approval ratings remain high despite recent murders.
Protests Erupt in Mexico City: A Multi-Generational Movement Against Inequality and Corruption
Thousands of people took to the streets of Mexico City on Saturday, November 16, 2025, voicing their discontent with crime, corruption, and impunity. The demonstration was organized by members of Generation Z (Gen Z), a demographic group born between the late 1990s and early 2010s. However, the event saw strong backing from older supporters of opposition parties.
The protest was mostly peaceful but ended with some young people clashing with the police.
Protesters used stones, fireworks, sticks, and chains to attack the police, who responded by grabbing their shields and other equipment. The capital’s security secretary, Pablo Vázquez, reported that 120 people were injured, 100 of them being police officers. Twenty individuals were arrested during the event.
Gen Z Frustration with Systemic Issues
Mexico is not the only country experiencing such demonstrations. Members of Gen Z in various nations have organized protests against inequality, democratic backsliding, and corruption. The largest “Gen Z” protest took place in Nepal in September 2025, following a ban on social media that led to the resignation of that nation’s prime minister.
Many young people in Mexico express frustration with systemic problems like corruption and impunity for violent crimes.
Andres Massa, a 29-year-old business consultant, carried the pirate skull flag that has become a global symbol of Gen Z protests. He stated, “We need more security.” Arizbeth Garcia, a 43-year-old physician who joined the protests, said she was marching for better funding for the public health system and improved security because doctors are also exposed to the insecurity gripping the country.
President Claudia Sheinbaum’s Stance
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum maintains high approval ratings despite a recent spate of high-profile murders. In the days leading up to Saturday’s protest, she accused right-wing parties of trying to infiltrate the Gen Z movement and using bots on social media to increase attendance.
Some “Gen Z” social media influencers also distanced themselves from the protests this week. However, elderly figures like former President Vicente Fox and Mexican billionaire Ricardo Salinas Pliego published messages in support of the protests.
The march was attended by people from several age groups, including supporters of the recently killed Michoacan Mayor Carlos Manzo, who attended wearing the straw hats that symbolize his political movement.
Rosa Maria Avila, a 65-year-old real estate agent who traveled from Patzcuaro in Michoacan state, stated, “The state is dying. He was killed because he was a man who sent officers into the mountains to fight delinquents. He had the guts to confront them.” This sentiment reflects the broader concerns among citizens regarding security and the effectiveness of government actions.
Conclusion
The Gen Z protests in Mexico City highlight ongoing issues of inequality, corruption, and public dissatisfaction with governance. While the event was mostly peaceful, it demonstrated the potential for social unrest when young people feel their voices are not being heard. The support from older generations suggests a broader cross-generational concern about the state of democracy and safety in the country.
