Tens of thousands of people were seen in the streets of Mexico City on Thursday night, as they demonstrated against a political system that they perceive as corrupt. The alleged violence from protestors that ended the November 8 protest was continued, as people used molotov cocktails and firecrackers in confrontations with riot police. An effigy of President Enrique Peña Nieto was also burnt.
Student activists had spent the week beforehand traveling the country to unite the nation's various student groups, as the protests are also in response to the disappearance of 43 student teachers; however, the issue is also linked to the corruption claims, as demonstrators believe that the student teachers were murdered in the southern city of Iguala. On the night they were arrested, six deaths were recorded as a result of police activity, and the Iguala municipal police have been accused of colluding with drug cartels.
Also of concern is the revelation of a multi-million dollar mansion 10 days ago. The property, which has been tailored to the needs of the president and First Lady Angélica Rivera, is still owned by the subsidiary of a company that has a lengthy history of receiving lucrative contracts from Peña Nieto - - ever since he was the governor of Mexico. Furthermore, the head of the company is a close personal friend of the president.
On Tuesday night, Rivera appeared on Mexican television and stated that she will sell her interests in the property, so that it can not "continue to be a pretext for offending and defaming my family," and revealed personal financial details to explain how she paid for the luxurious residence. While widespread doubt emerged in response to Rivera's address, the president praised her "bravery" and announced that he will follow in the footsteps of the First Lady because he values the "trust of Mexicans" more than "the right to confidentiality".
Further protests are planned, and a student activist proclaimed on radio that Thursday signifies the beginning of a national transformation. Meanwhile, the United States embassy in Mexico has just announced a U.S.-funded $68 million, five-year plan to assist Mexico to reform its justice and court system.
