Advertisement

Image: Mosa'ab Elshamy/AP Photo/picture alliance

Gen Z and student protests

Youth demonstrations have grown and spread in several parts of the world, including in Nepal, Bangladesh, Kenya, Morocco, Madagascar, Paraguay and Peru. Many have protested corruption and demanded government reforms.

Skip next section All Content on this topic

All Content on this topic

Female students and educators in a classroom in Palermo, Italy

Female students and educators in a classroom in Palermo, Italy

Italy: Students protest sex education ban

Students in Palermo are demonstrating against a new law that prohibits sex education for those under 14.

Students carrying posters protest against military conscription in Oldenburg, Germany

Students carrying posters protest against military conscription in Oldenburg, Germany

German high school students protest against military service

Students are protesting against the reintroduction of military service. Many believe that conscription is inevitable.

Nepal marked on a map, with statues of an elephant and a dragon visible on either side

Nepal marked on a map, with statues of an elephant and a dragon visible on either side

Why Nepal's elections matter to India and China

After youth protests toppled Nepal's last government, the country is heading to the polls on March 5.

A sign with a depiction of Iran's Supreme Leader is reflected in a shop window. Shadows of people walk by in front of the sign.

A sign with a depiction of Iran's Supreme Leader is reflected in a shop window. Shadows of people walk by in front of the sign.

Fresh student protests in Iran as tensions with US rise

As US military presence near Iran intensifies, students have resumed anti-government protests.

A student (L) carries his belongings as he walks on a street near a Senegalese police armored vehicle parked on the pavement (R)

A student (L) carries his belongings as he walks on a street near a Senegalese police armored vehicle parked on the pavement (R)

Senegal students feel betrayed, fear for future

Young people say the government they helped bring to power has failed to deliver on its promises.

A representational image on corruption showing a man putting currency notes in his blazer pocket

A representational image on corruption showing a man putting currency notes in his blazer pocket

Corruption on the rise worldwide, watchdog finds

Even anti-graft strongholds like the US and Sweden are slipping into decline due to a lack of political leadership.

A group of people in a hotel lobby in Minneapolis singing and holding posters that read "No sleep for ICE"

A group of people in a hotel lobby in Minneapolis singing and holding posters that read "No sleep for ICE"

The power of nonviolent protest

Minnesotans have used nonviolent tactics to push out ICE agents, and history shows such resistance can work very well.

A group of seated people seen from behind. They are listening to a speaker in front of a white banner.

A group of seated people seen from behind. They are listening to a speaker in front of a white banner.

Bangladesh's Gen-Z party tested by electoral politics

Born out of a student uprising that toppled a government, Bangladesh's National Citizen Party is now chasing votes.

Serbian students talking to a citizen on the street

Serbian students talking to a citizen on the street

How Serbia's student protest movement has changed tactics

Serbian students have switched from protest mode to campaign mode in anticipation of a snap election sometime this year.

People dressed in warm winter clothes fold pieces of paper and put them into a see-through container that resembles a ballot box. They are outside. Belgrade, Serbia, December 28, 2025

People dressed in warm winter clothes fold pieces of paper and put them into a see-through container that resembles a ballot box. They are outside. Belgrade, Serbia, December 28, 2025

Serbia student protests: Vucic has reason to fear elections

After over a year of protests, Serbia's students have shifted their focus to preparing for a parliamentary election.

Young Indian voters posing as they take a selfie after casting their votes at a polling station [File: May 19, 2019]

Young Indian voters posing as they take a selfie after casting their votes at a polling station [File: May 19, 2019]

In India, youths are quiet as Gen Z protests rock South Asia

In a Delhi coffee house, young Indians debate power, politics and the future following regional Gen Z protests.

A collage of protesters from Nepal and Bangladesh on a background of Hong Kong's 2014 Umbrella Movement

A collage of protesters from Nepal and Bangladesh on a background of Hong Kong's 2014 Umbrella Movement

From streets to change? A decade of Asia's youth protests

From Nepal to Bangladesh and Hong Kong, Asia's youth have shaken governments. DW examines 11 years of youth movements.

Demonstrators in Bangladesh erupt in protests in the streets of Dhaka over the death of Sharif Osman Hadi.

Demonstrators in Bangladesh erupt in protests in the streets of Dhaka over the death of Sharif Osman Hadi.

Bangladesh: Key student activist's death sparks new protests

Bangladesh's turmoil remains volatile as anger rises in Dhaka after protesters torched two leading newspaper offices.

DW Podcast | Inside Europe | provisorisch f ROAD

DW Podcast | Inside Europe | provisorisch f ROAD

How Gen Z toppled the Bulgarian government

How Gen Z-led protests toppled the Bulgarian government, a close look at Denmark's hardline asylum policies, and what should be done about the Dutch housing crisis. Then: A Scottish island castle for sale, Vilnius' bid to become Europe's biggest start-up hub, exhumations of political prisoners in Prague, and how the French Post Office tries to stay relevant.

A student waves the Bulgarian flag, standing in a window above a huge crowd of people in central Sofia at night

A student waves the Bulgarian flag, standing in a window above a huge crowd of people in central Sofia at night

Bulgaria protests: Why did Gen Z turn out in record numbers?

In protests across Bulgaria, Gen Z's message to the government has been clear: "You angered the wrong generation."

A plume of tear gas is launched at a group of several dozen protestors who have gathered at the Namanga One-Post Border crossing point between Kenya and Tanzania

A plume of tear gas is launched at a group of several dozen protestors who have gathered at the Namanga One-Post Border crossing point between Kenya and Tanzania

How Kenyan activism is fueling Tanzania's democratic fire

Kenyan Gen-Z activists are trying their utmost to support protestors in Tanzania — but how much success will they have?

People confront Mexican riot police during a demonstration against the government of President Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico City

People confront Mexican riot police during a demonstration against the government of President Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico City

Mexico: 'Gen Z' protests spread following mayor's murder

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum claimed the anti-government protests were "inorganic" and orchestrated from abroad.

Student protester Arsa Stojanovic, who was badly wounded by police, speaks to DW

Student protester Arsa Stojanovic, who was badly wounded by police, speaks to DW

Serbia protesters welcome EU's rebuke of police violence

One year after the Novi Sad station collapse, Serbia's student-led anti-corruption protests receive support from the EU.

A participant uses a megaphone during a protest march in Novi Sad, Serbia

A participant uses a megaphone during a protest march in Novi Sad, Serbia

Serbia: Students march for Novi Sad canopy collapse victims

Thousands are marching to Novi Sad, demanding justice for the 16 victims of last November's station canopy collapse.

Protesters in Garoua, Cameroon, approach police in riot gear

Protesters in Garoua, Cameroon, approach police in riot gear

Cameroonians protest election result as Biya clings to power

President Biya, 92, has officially won another term despite widespread discontentment. He has ruled Cameroon since 1982.

Young people take part in a youth-led protest against corruption and calling for education and healthcare reforms, in Rabat, Morocco.

Young people take part in a youth-led protest against corruption and calling for education and healthcare reforms, in Rabat, Morocco.

What echoes across Gen Z protests around the world?

Creative and defiant, Gen Z are proving to be far more than the supposedly apolitical generation lost in social media.

Demonstrators clash with anti-riot police officers

Demonstrators clash with anti-riot police officers

Peru to impose state of emergency after protests turn deadly

Youth-led demonstrations in Peru have turned violent, with interim President Jeri fending off calls to resign.

Colonel Michael Randrianirina

Colonel Michael Randrianirina

Madagascar military leader to become transitional president

Protests against ousted president Andry Rajoelinaand were led by youth groups calling themselves "Gen Z Madagascar."

A resident of Antananarivo watches Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina's address to the nation via the official Facebook page of the Presidency of Madagascar, from her home in Antananarivo on October 13, 2025

A resident of Antananarivo watches Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina's address to the nation via the official Facebook page of the Presidency of Madagascar, from her home in Antananarivo on October 13, 2025

Madagascar protests: Army takes charge after president flees

President Rajoelina fled the country after protests escalated over the weekend.

Demonstrators shout slogans next to fire burning on the street during a Kathmandu rally on September 9, 2025

Demonstrators shout slogans next to fire burning on the street during a Kathmandu rally on September 9, 2025

Gen Z protests: Why are Asia's youth so angry?

As jobs dry up and inequality widens, youth protests are shaking even the region's most entrenched political systems.

Members of a section of the Malagasy army ride on a pickup truck as protesters celebrate their arrival in Madagascar on October 11, 2025.

Members of a section of the Malagasy army ride on a pickup truck as protesters celebrate their arrival in Madagascar on October 11, 2025.

Madagascar unrest escalates into 'attempt to seize power'

"We, who wear the uniform, are rising for the people," declared Madagascar's elite unit CAPSAT, defying the government.

Members of a Madagascar army contingent gather with protesters as protesters celebrate as they address them from Antananarivo's City Hall on October 11, 2025.

Members of a Madagascar army contingent gather with protesters as protesters celebrate as they address them from Antananarivo's City Hall on October 11, 2025.

Madagascar's army units join Gen Z anti-government protests

For the first time, soldiers in Madagascar join Gen Z-led protests, calling on President Andry Rajoelina to step down.

A masked protester throws a teargas canister back at police officers during clashes with Malagasy security forces

A masked protester throws a teargas canister back at police officers during clashes with Malagasy security forces

Protesters in Madagascar reject president's offer for talks

Youth protesters in Madagascar are rejecting dialogue and doubling down on their demands.

A protester holds a pirate flag from the Japanese anime One Piece during a demonstration against repeated water and electricity outages in Antananarivo on September 30, 2025

A protester holds a pirate flag from the Japanese anime One Piece during a demonstration against repeated water and electricity outages in Antananarivo on September 30, 2025

What you need to know about Madagascar's Gen Z protests

What's causing the uprising among Gen Z digital natives in Madagascar?

A 'One Piece' pirate flag hangs on the gates of Nepal's parliament building, set on fire amid protests.

A 'One Piece' pirate flag hangs on the gates of Nepal's parliament building, set on fire amid protests.

What the 'One Piece' pirate flag means in Gen Z protests

How a flag from a Japanese anime series became a rallying symbol for Gen Z protest movements around the world.

Demonstrators at Gen Z protests in Antananarivo, Madagascar

Demonstrators at Gen Z protests in Antananarivo, Madagascar

Madagascar Gen Z protests in pictures

The younger generation is not satisfied with a change of government. It is demanding basic human rights.

Demonstrators chant slogans during a youth-led protest demanding reforms to public healthcare and education in front the Parliament in Rabat.

Demonstrators chant slogans during a youth-led protest demanding reforms to public healthcare and education in front the Parliament in Rabat.

Anonymous, digital, democratic: Morocco's Gen Z protests

Ongoing protests in Morocco are organized by an anonymous group using an online platform originally meant for gaming.

Protesters with raised arms shout slogans during a youth-led demonstration in a market area in Rabat

Protesters with raised arms shout slogans during a youth-led demonstration in a market area in Rabat

Morocco's Gen Z protests: What you need to know

Youth-driven protests in Morocco recently turned violent. Who's behind the protests and where will this end?

Security forces detaining a protester

Security forces detaining a protester

Morocco: Gen Z protests turn violent, three killed

Young people in Morocco are frustrated with social inequalities and demanding better education and health care.

A man is questioned by a security officer as protesters gather during a demonstration against repeated water and electricity outages in Madagascar on September 29, 2025

A man is questioned by a security officer as protesters gather during a demonstration against repeated water and electricity outages in Madagascar on September 29, 2025

Madagascar Gen Z protests erupt over water and power woes

Protests over basic needs like electricity and water escalated in Madagascar since last week, leaving at least 22 dead.

Two members of Morocco's security forces in uniform, as well as a plain clothed officer, hold a man's arms as others look on in Rabat during protests on September 29, 2025.

Two members of Morocco's security forces in uniform, as well as a plain clothed officer, hold a man's arms as others look on in Rabat during protests on September 29, 2025.

Morocco: Police detain dozens in Gen Z protests

The protests come amid discontent over Morocco's inequalities, which disproportionately affect young people and women.

A protester holds a placard showing a skull and crossbones and the word's "Gen Z" during a demonstration in Magagascar's capital Antananarivo on September 27, 2025.

A protester holds a placard showing a skull and crossbones and the word's "Gen Z" during a demonstration in Magagascar's capital Antananarivo on September 27, 2025.

Madagascar president fires government after Gen Z protests

At least 22 people were killed after protests broke out power cuts, water shortages and widespread poverty.

Young Nepali Mausam Kulung looks at a panel showing photos of victims following riots in Kathmandu

Young Nepali Mausam Kulung looks at a panel showing photos of victims following riots in Kathmandu

Nepal's Gen Z protesters look to the future

A young protester told DW that the Gen Z fight "has only begun" after their movement ousted the Nepalese government.

Protesters take part in a rally in Manila as they demonstrate against corruption following the revelations over bogus flood control projects

Protesters take part in a rally in Manila as they demonstrate against corruption following the revelations over bogus flood control projects

Philippines: Why is Gen Z protesting?

Young protesters have taken to the streets over an infrastructure corruption scandal involving billions of dollars.

Demonstrators in Nepal's capital Kathmandu shout slogans during anti-government protests on September 9, 2025

Demonstrators in Nepal's capital Kathmandu shout slogans during anti-government protests on September 9, 2025

Gen Z protests in Asia: Can they spark real change?

Young people in many Asian countries are angry and demanding change, economic opportunities and an end to corruption.

Protesters vandalize Nepalese congress party central office in Kathmandu, holding up the Nepali flag

Protesters vandalize Nepalese congress party central office in Kathmandu, holding up the Nepali flag

Nepal's youth demand justice after deadly student protests

More than 50 people were killed and thousands wounded after security forces opened fire on crowds in Kathmandu.

Demonstrators climb on the barricade during a protest against social media bans and corruption

Demonstrators climb on the barricade during a protest against social media bans and corruption

Nepal police kill several people at 'Gen Z' protest

Police fired live rounds into crowds of anti-corruption protesters.

A woman waves an Indonesian flag in the direction of riot police officers, during a clash at a protest against what the demonstrators say are exorbitant allowances for Indonesian parliament members, outside Indonesian parliament buildings, in Jakarta

A woman waves an Indonesian flag in the direction of riot police officers, during a clash at a protest against what the demonstrators say are exorbitant allowances for Indonesian parliament members, outside Indonesian parliament buildings, in Jakarta

Indonesia: Students to stage protest at parliament

A student coalition was set to carry out protests at the Indonesian parliament in Jakarta on Thursday.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks with Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during her ceremonial reception at the Forecourt of India's Rashtrapati Bhavan Presidential Palace, in New Delhi, India, June 22, 2024.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks with Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during her ceremonial reception at the Forecourt of India's Rashtrapati Bhavan Presidential Palace, in New Delhi, India, June 22, 2024.

Why is India protecting Bangladesh's Sheik Hasina?

Bangladesh's ousted leader has been accused of ordering a deadly crackdown on student protesters.

Students lead a march during an anti-corruption protest in the southwestern town of Novi Pazar, Serbia, April 12, 2025

Students lead a march during an anti-corruption protest in the southwestern town of Novi Pazar, Serbia, April 12, 2025

Serbia's student protest movement maintains fragile unity

Could a lack of unity caused by internal divisions in Serbia's student movement undermine its chances of success?

Students hold placards as they protest, demanding revelation of actual number of death toll, after an air force training aircraft crashed into a building belonging to Milestone School and College, in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Students hold placards as they protest, demanding revelation of actual number of death toll, after an air force training aircraft crashed into a building belonging to Milestone School and College, in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Bangladesh plane crash: Death toll rises, students protest

The number of those who perished after a military plane crashed into a school has risen to 31.

Two masked demonstrators set up a barricade made of concrete blocks in a street. Smoke billows in the background.

Two masked demonstrators set up a barricade made of concrete blocks in a street. Smoke billows in the background.

Togo protests: Why young people are risking everything

Youth in Togo took to the streets to denounce a constitutional change that would allow Gnassingbe to stick to office.

A protester wearing a face mask and ice hockey jersey spreads his arms, holding up a protest publication in his left hand

A protester wearing a face mask and ice hockey jersey spreads his arms, holding up a protest publication in his left hand

How Gen Z protests change activism in Kenya

A year after Kenya’s GenZ protest swept the country, the government is still using violence.

A protester wearing a mask in the colors of the Kenyan flag raises his arms

A protester wearing a mask in the colors of the Kenyan flag raises his arms

Kenya Gen Z protests see press freedom under fire

During recent protests by young Kenyans against authoritarian policies, the media was banned from reporting live.

Kenya and the Gen Z protests — The 77 Percent

It has been exactly one year since the Finance Bill protests erupted across Kenya.