Anti-Corruption Protests Rage Across Mexico, Injuring 120

At least 120 people were injured over the past few days as thousands of people took to the streets across Mexico, protesting against government corruption and violent crime.

While a considerable majority of the Mexican population is largely content with incumbent President Claudia Sheinbaum's handling of widespread issues, many are unhappy with the way she has addressed problems like corruption and crime.

Sheinbaum's administration has taken a very different approach when compared to those of her predecessors, who adopted a "war on cartels" strategy similar to that of current US President Donald Trump.

Instead, Sheinbaum has focused on increasing the government's intelligence capacity to target the root causes of violence– though many critics have thought of this strategy as ineffective and useless. While she has combated the propagation of fentanyl and other drugs across Mexico, violent crime remains a major issue. Sheinbaum has also refused to allow American soldiers onto Mexican soil to assist with the situation, leading to even more frustration.

Several provinces still struggle with intense violence and crime across the country, including robberies, homicides, and extortions. One of the most crucial moments that led up to the protests was the assassination of Carlos Manzo, the mayor of the city of Uruapan in the western Mexican state of Michoacán, who maintained a strong voice against the spread of violence in the region until he was killed.

Manzo was strongly against Sheinbaum's handling of the situation as one of the primary advocates for its ineffectiveness, but he has already become the poster child for Mexico's anti-corruption and anti-crime movement.

Soon, protestors began flooding the streets, advocating against Sheinbaum and her policies. Sheinbaum claimed that the demonstrations were organized by her opposition, but many gathered after being rallied by Gen Z groups after efforts to coordinate on Discord and other platforms.

The protestors broke a section of the fence surrounding the National Palace in Mexico City – the residence of the president – forcing police to step into action. Authorities released tear gas onto citizens and arrested 20 people for robbery and assault, but 100 police officers were injured in the process.

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