Mexico's President Sheinbaum Stages Massive Rally Amid Ongoing Protests

Mexico City, Mexico - In a show of support for her leadership, hundreds of thousands of people gathered in the capital on Saturday to back President Claudia Sheinbaum. The rally comes as the country continues to grapple with protests and political pushback following a month of unrest. Sheinbaum, Mexico's first female president, took to the stage to address the massive crowd, many of whom had traveled from across the country by bus. The president emphasized the importance of her administration's efforts to transform public life in Mexico, citing the support of young people as a key factor. The rally was a response to recent protests, including the killing of Mayor Carlos Manzo in Michoacan state and the subsequent demonstrations against drug violence and the government's security policies. The departure of the country's attorney general, Alejandro Gertz, in December also sparked controversy. For 24-year-old Jose Perez, a craftsman of Otomi descent, the rally was a chance to express his support for Sheinbaum's government, which he believes has made Indigenous people more visible. Authorities estimated that around 600,000 people attended the rally. Sheinbaum's approval ratings have dipped slightly in recent months, from 74% in October to 71% in early December, according to a recent poll. However, analysts say the rally is an attempt to 'reshape the narrative' and call for unity within her own party. "Sheinbaum is an incredibly efficient president who likes to be in control, but she is also very thin-skinned and has difficulty dealing with dissent," said political columnist Hernan Gomez Bruera. Despite this, the president remains popular among her supporters, who praise her for keeping at bay US President Donald Trump's threats of high trade tariffs and military action. In a meeting with Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Washington on Friday, Sheinbaum discussed trade on the sidelines of the 2026 World Cup draw. The three nations maintain a "very good relationship," she said on X following the meeting.