Nov. 14 (UPI) — A call that began on social media for a march by Generation Z members on Saturday has gained momentum in Mexico, with organizers urging demonstrations in more than 50 cities across the country.
The movement, presented as a youth-led expression against insecurity, corruption and impunity, has been driven by videos, hashtags and messages that spread quickly on social media.
In Mexico City, informal organizers have set the Angel of Independence monument as the starting point for a march to the Zócalo, the capital’s central square. Posts on X associated with the movement have called for participation mainly in protest over insecurity following the killing of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo.
Mexico’s government, however, says the march is not spontaneous. Officials claim it is being driven by political operatives and supported by alleged external funding.
President Claudia Sheinbaum said the call for the march is backed by a paid digital campaign against her, supported — according to a report released this week — by disinformation networks, automated accounts and opposition political and business actors.
Sheinbaum said the campaign promoting the march cost about $5.3 million, which was allegedly used to boost the mobilization through bots and coordinated content.
Miguel Ángel Elorza, coordinator of Infodemia Mx, said at a news conference with the president that the accounts that promoted the mobilization were recently created or reactivated after long periods of inactivity, with some operating from abroad.
He said these profiles have taken part in previous disinformation campaigns and that the narrative of a spontaneous youth call “does not match the patterns detected in the analysis,” El País reported.
Sheinbaum said her government will guarantee the right to protest, but asked for clarity on who is behind the call to prevent young people from being “used,” noting that opposition figures have amplified the movement.
The government added that political and business actors, including former President Vicente Fox, helped drive the digital spread.
The origin of the initial call remains unclear, and different users have promoted alternate versions of the movement under the same name.
Sheinbaum said her administration will continue to review the digital origin of the campaign and reiterated that the government respects the right to protest, but insisted on the need to identify “who is really behind” the demonstration.
The administration reinforced security in the Historic Center, and major civic buildings have been surrounded by fencing in anticipation of what may occur Saturday.
