(MENAFN) At least 120 people, including 100 police officers, were injured amid clashes in Mexico City on Saturday during large-scale demonstrations against the government, according to reports.

Thousands of protesters marched in the capital to voice their anger over violent crime and the administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum. Sheinbaum claimed that right-wing politicians opposing her government had funded the protests, which also took place in other cities.

Organized by Gen Z youth groups, the rallies gained support from citizens protesting high-profile killings, notably the assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo just weeks ago.

Manzo had called for stringent action against armed cartels.

During the demonstrations, protesters dismantled sections of the barrier protecting the National Palace, the president’s residence, prompting police to respond with tear gas.

Authorities have arrested 20 people for offenses including robbery and assault, Mexico City security officials said.

Demonstrators carried banners declaring "We are all Carlos Manzo" and wore cowboy hats in his memory. Manzo was shot on November 1 while attending a Day of the Dead festival and was known for speaking openly against drug-trafficking gangs terrorizing his town.

Sheinbaum has been attempting to combat cartel activity but has resisted calls for another full-scale war on drugs, citing the bloody outcomes of previous administrations’ efforts. In the days leading up to the protest, the president accused online bots of promoting the demonstration. "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," she said. "People should know how this demonstration was organised so that no one is used."

Despite the unrest, Sheinbaum maintains approval ratings above 70% during her first year in office and has taken steps to crack down on fentanyl trafficking, a major concern for US authorities. However, she faces criticism for failing to stem nationwide violence and growing tensions with neighboring countries.

Earlier this month, Peru’s Congress declared Sheinbaum a persona non grata following Mexico’s granting of asylum to a former Peruvian prime minister accused in a 2022 coup attempt, prompting Peru to sever diplomatic ties with Mexico, according to reports.

MENAFN16112025000045017640ID1110350335