Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has launched a strong criticism against an upcoming Generation Z demonstration scheduled for Saturday in Mexico City, labeling it as a movement bankrolled by right-wing politicians and business leaders who oppose her administration.
Government Alleges Foreign Influence
During her daily news conference from the presidential palace on Thursday, Sheinbaum revealed that the protest is being promoted through social media by what she described as 8 million bots operating from outside Mexico. The president expressed concerns about the genuine nature of the youth movement, questioning its organizers rather than the right to demonstrate itself.
"We agree with freedom of expression and freedom of demonstration if there are young people who have demands, but the issue here is who is promoting the demonstration," Sheinbaum stated. "People should know how this demonstration was organized so that no one is used."
Key Figures Named as Sponsors
Other government officials specifically identified several prominent individuals as key sponsors of the march. According to an analysis conducted by Infodemia, the official fact-checking agency tasked with combating what it terms "fake news" targeting the government, the protest receives significant backing from:
- Billionaire Ricardo Salinas Pliego
- Former President Vicente Fox
- Businessman Claudio X. Gonzalez
Representatives for Salinas Pliego, Fox, and Gonzalez did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding these allegations.
Miguel Elorza, head of Infodemia, further elaborated during the same news conference that leaders from the opposition PRI and PAN parties are also supporting the protest movement.
Security Measures and Regional Context
Authorities have taken preventive measures by blocking access to the National Palace in downtown Mexico City with metal barriers to keep protesters at bay during Saturday's demonstration. Organizers maintain that Gen Z participants plan to protest peacefully against rising crime rates at the Zocalo, the capital's main square.
The movement gained significant momentum after the tragic shooting death of Carlos Manzo, an influential mayor known for his hardline stance against organized crime. Manzo was killed earlier this month in Uruapan, located in the western state of Michoacan.
This youth-led protest in Mexico mirrors similar movements emerging across Latin America. In Peru, Gen Z activists have been mobilizing for weeks, with another protest scheduled for Friday, indicating a growing pattern of youth political engagement throughout the region.
If successful, Mexico's Gen Z march could present another substantial challenge for President Sheinbaum, who already faces multiple pressing issues including tense trade negotiations with the US, ongoing efforts to curb organized crime violence, and attempts to revitalize a stagnant national economy.
