Protest inspired by Gen Z' movement draws few young people in Mexico and many government critics

"A few thousand people took to the streets of Mexico City on Saturday to protest growing crime, corruption and impunity in a protest organized by members of Generation Z, but which ended with strong backing from older supporters of opposition parties. In several countries this year, members of the demographic group born between the late 90s and early 2010s have organized protests against inequality, democratic backsliding and corruption."

"In the days leading up to Saturday's protest, Sheinbaum accused right-wing parties of trying to infiltrate the Gen Z movement and of using bots on social media to try to increase attendance. This week, some Gen Z social media influencers said they no longer backed Saturday's protests. At the same time, elderly figures like former President Vicente Fox and Mexican billionaire Ricardo Salinas Pliego published messages in support of the protests."

"We need more security, said Andres Massa, a 29-year-old business consultant who carried the pirate skull flag that has become a global symbol of Gen Z protests. Claudia Cruz, a 43-year-old physician who joined the protests, said she was marching for more funding for the public health system, and for better security because doctors are also exposed to the insecurity gripping the country, where you can be murdered and nothing happens."

Thousands of people marched in Mexico City to protest rising crime, corruption and impunity, with the movement initiated by Generation Z and later supported by older opposition figures. Young demonstrators criticized systemic failures, citing lack of security and impunity for violent crimes. Participants displayed the pirate skull flag and included both influencers who later withdrew support and elderly public figures who promoted the march. Protesters demanded more funding for public health and improved security while referencing high-profile murders. Authorities alleged right-wing infiltration and social media bot activity aimed at boosting attendance.

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