MEXICO CITY: Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Mexico City on Saturday in a protest organized by the so-called ‘Gen Z’ movement, voicing frustration over corruption, inequality, and rising crime rates.
While the demonstration was primarily led by young people born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, it also drew supporters from various age groups and political backgrounds, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with governance. Former President Vicente Fox and businessman Ricardo Salinas Pliego publicly endorsed the protests, amplifying their visibility.
The rally, however, turned violent in parts, with clashes erupting between some demonstrators and police. Protesters reportedly used stones, firecrackers, sticks, and chains, and managed to seize police shields and other equipment. According to Pablo Vazquez, Mexico City’s Security Secretary, 120 people were injured, including 100 police officers, and 20 individuals were arrested in connection with the incidents.
Demonstrators carried flags and symbols associated with the Gen Z movement, including the pirate skull flag, which has gained recognition globally as a symbol of youth-led activism. Andres Massa, 29, one of the protesters, emphasized the call for safer streets: “We need more security.”
This wave of activism is part of a broader global trend, with young people in multiple countries using street demonstrations to highlight systemic problems. In September, for instance, Nepal witnessed its largest Gen Z protests after a social media ban, which ultimately contributed to the resignation of the country’s prime minister.
In Mexico, the movement reflects a growing frustration among youth over impunity, corruption, and the democratic deficit, motivating a generation to demand accountability and reforms through public action. Authorities have promised to continue monitoring the situation while maintaining law and order.
