Mexico’s capital was filled with thousands of people on Nov. 15 as part of the “Gen Z” protests against the president and the ruling party.
These protests emerged after the murder of the mayor of Uruapan, Michoacán. Carlos Manzo was killed on Nov. 1 during a Day of the Dead parade by what authorities speculate may have been someone linked to criminal organizations. Manzo was an outspoken critic of cartel activity and had urged the federal government for better security.
After his death, President Claudia Sheinbaum faced widespread criticism online for allegedly not responding to Manzo’s requests for support. During her morning press conferences, known as “Las Mañaneras,” Sheinbaum dismissed many of these critiques as misinformation generated by bots and AI.
Her comments fueled outrage among younger citizens, leading to the organization of protests across several cities. The demonstrations were not only about Sheinbaum’s remarks but also about the broader crisis of disappearances in Mexico. According to El Financiero, 15,855 people have been registered as disappeared or missing since the Morena-led government took office in 2024.
Protests were reported in multiple states, and in Mexico City some demonstrators clashed with police, removed protective barriers around the National Palace, and assisted people affected by tear gas used by security forces.
A standout element of the protests was the visibility of the “One Piece” flag across multiple states. “One Piece” is a Japanese animated series in which the main characters fight corruption; younger protesters used the pirate flag as a symbol of their generation’s stance against the government.
On Nov. 20, a second protest took place, though it drew fewer participants. Opposition parties, including Partido Acción Nacional (PAN), have filed complaints accusing Sheinbaum’s administration of violating protesters’ human rights during the Nov. 15 demonstrations.
The government continues responding to the protests, though the movement has lost some momentum since its initial peak.
