Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Mexico City on Saturday to protest against President Claudia Sheinbaum's government following the assassination of Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez, the mayor of Uruapan. The protests, primarily organized by Generation Z, turned violent, resulting in injuries to at least 120 individuals, mostly police officers.

Protest Overview
The demonstration began peacefully as participants marched towards the National Palace, where President Sheinbaum resides. However, the atmosphere shifted dramatically when a group of hooded individuals initiated violent confrontations. Pablo Vázquez, the security chief for Mexico City, confirmed that 100 police officers were injured during the clashes, with 40 requiring hospitalization for various injuries. Additionally, 20 protesters sustained injuries amidst the chaos.

Background of the Protests
The protests were ignited by the murder of Carlos Manzo, who was killed on November 1 while actively combating drug trafficking in his region. Many protesters carried banners in his honor and expressed their outrage over the government's perceived failure to protect local leaders from organized crime. "He was killed because he was a man who was sending officers into the mountains to fight delinquents," stated Rosa Maria Avila, a 65-year-old real estate agent from Michoacan state.

Public Sentiment and Government Response
Despite maintaining approval ratings above 70%, President Sheinbaum faces growing criticism regarding her security policies in light of several high-profile murders. Protesters voiced their demands for increased security, with some accusing the government of failing to protect Manzo. "This is how you should have protected Carlos Manzo," demonstrators shouted at police, who responded with tear gas and fire extinguishers to disperse the crowd.

Political Implications
In the lead-up to the protests, Sheinbaum accused rightwing parties of attempting to infiltrate the movement, alleging they were using social media bots to inflate attendance numbers. "It is a movement promoted from abroad against the government," she claimed. This assertion has further polarized the narrative surrounding the protests and the government's handling of security issues.

Wrap-up
The protests in Mexico City reflect a growing discontent among the populace, particularly among younger generations, regarding safety and government accountability. As violence continues to plague the country, the response from Sheinbaum's administration will likely be scrutinized in the coming days.

Sources
theguardian.com
apnews.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team