By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Gen Z activists are currently demonstrating in Mexico City, voicing their discontent with the alleged protection of cartels by the government. These young protesters are specifically condemning the situation, labeling the state as a “narco-state.” However, President Sheinbaum has responded to the protests, claiming that the demonstrations are being supported by right-wing political parties.
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Mexico’s new generation is taking to the streets, and it’s clear something has broken. The core of their anger seems to be a deep-seated belief that the very leaders meant to protect them are instead enabling, or even directly collaborating with, the powerful and violent drug cartels. The protests are fueled by a mix of outrage, fear, and a desperate desire for change.
The protests, however, appear to be complex, multi-faceted, and potentially manipulated. There’s a palpable sense of disillusionment directed towards the government, but there are also undercurrents that suggest the situation is not entirely organic. The focus of the protestors, the perceived inaction or complicity of those in power, is the main point of contention.
One of the more obvious grievances is the rampant violence and the cartels’ pervasive influence. The brutal murder of an anti-corruption mayor is cited as a catalyst. The cartels’ tentacles seem to be everywhere, affecting every facet of life in some areas. Their presence isn’t just about drugs; they’re involved in everything from fuel theft to avocado trafficking, creating a shadow economy and, in the process, eroding the rule of law.
The younger generation has grown up in the shadow of this violence. They’ve seen the consequences firsthand, either through direct loss, fear of their lives, or the constant presence of the cartels. This generation seems unwilling to accept the status quo, and social media amplifies their voices, allowing them to share their experiences and organize.
There are also conflicting claims about the true nature of the protests and who’s really behind them. Some believe that the unrest is a genuine expression of Gen Z’s concerns. Others suggest that right-wing political actors may be trying to exploit the situation for their own benefit, potentially funding and organizing protests to destabilize the government or boost the profile of certain individuals. The role of media moguls and the spread of misinformation, including bots on social media, further complicates the picture.
There’s a sense that the government is seen as not only failing to protect its citizens but also as actively obstructing justice. Leaks and scandals are now harder to suppress in the internet age. The perception that the government is corrupt and incompetent, failing to address the fundamental issues driving the unrest, is a key component of the discontent.
The situation in Mexico is further complicated by the United States’ role. The demand for drugs in the US fuels the cartels. The flow of guns from the US into Mexico enables them. It’s clear that if the US were serious about combating the drug cartels, it would need to address both the demand and the supply of weapons.
Many in the younger generation are angry that their future is being stolen. They’re frustrated by the government’s failure to address crucial matters like economic stability, political corruption, and environmental degradation, and fear the cartels are robbing them of opportunity.
The discussions then seem to veer into potential solutions, but the proposals are far from straightforward. The war on drugs has failed, and punitive measures are not working. A public health approach, with drug treatment being seen more like an illness than a crime, is often suggested.
There is also a growing push to focus on disrupting the cartels’ revenue streams. Some people propose legalizing and regulating some drugs, along with reforming immigration policies to create legal pathways for work, potentially taking away a major source of cartel income.
The fundamental issue is the lack of trust in the government. The youth’s deep-seated belief that those in power are not on their side is a major factor driving them to the streets. The situation has become a boiling point where the failures of the government are being exposed in a very visceral way. The future will depend on whether this generation can bring about real change.