The article discusses recent protests in Mexico led by right-wing opposition groups, initially framed as “Generation Z” marches, which emerged amidst tensions with the government of Andrés Manuel López Obrador (2018–2024). These protests are seen as a reaction to López Obrador’s efforts to restore state capacities undermined by neoliberal policies. Rodrigo Guillot, an International Relations graduate and activist with the National Regeneration Movement (Morena), notes that the opposition has transitioned from defending institutions to advocating for “liberty” in a context where they’ve adopted fascist and extreme right agendas.
Key figures, such as media tycoon Ricardo Salinas Pliego, have mobilized resources to frame these movements as grassroots uprisings against the left. The November 15 protests culminated in violence, including assaults on police, marking a notable shift in the tactics of the opposition. These events coincided with rising tensions around organized crime and governance, exemplified by the murder of a local mayor, which opposition groups attempted to leverage.
Ultimately, while the first protest was viewed as somewhat successful, a subsequent rally on November 20 failed to draw significant attendance, illustrating the opposition’s escalating tactics and aspirations to provoke confrontation with the Mexican state. The context reflects a broader narrative of right-wing mobilization that aligns with U.S. intervention strategies under the pretext of combating drug trafficking, indicating a dangerous drift towards fascism and autocracy in Mexican politics.
