OCTOBER 31, 2025 PROTEST Gen Z protests! The Gen Z revolution is underway. Throughout 2025, Generation Z, those born from 1997 to 2012, have led worldwide protests that have erupted across multiple countries, particularly in Africa, Asia and South America. Using social media platforms for coordination, young people are voicing outrage over economic inequality, corruption and failing public services. In some cases, these protests have led to the overthrow of governments (see below). The so-called TikTok Generation is leading the way for global political and social change. Key characteristics of Gen Z activism Digital organization: Young activists use social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, as well as gaming applications like Discord, to organize and share information. Transnational solidarity: Although protests are often local, Gen Z activists leverage digital tools and shared symbols, like the pirate flag from One Piece, to create a sense of global solidarity. Online and offline action: Gen Z activism operates on a spectrum, from "slacktivism" (using social media and online petitions only, meaning very little effort is expended) to traditional, on-the-ground protesting. Varied political engagement: Recent election results in the United States have shown a more complex political landscape for Gen Z than previously thought. In the 2024 U.S. election there was a notable shift to the right, particularly among young men. Intersectional concerns: While key Recent Gen Z protest hotspots Madagascar: A youth-led uprising over extended electricity and water cuts led to the ousting of President Andry Rajoelina in October 2025. The protests, which also targeted government corruption, were inspired by international movements and used the "One Piece" anime flag as a symbol of resistance (see below). collectives called ‘GenZ 212.’ Protesters are demanding significant improvements to public education and healthcare, frustrated by government spending on international sporting events like the 2030 FIFA World Cup instead of public services. Nepal: In September 2025, largeMIKE JONES Groundcover vendor No. 113 issues like economic hardship and climate change drive many protests, broader concerns about racial equity, mental health and social justice are also at play. scale anti-corruption protests, initially sparked by a ban on social media platforms, spread across the country. Frustration over corruption and government mismanagement of public funds contributed to the movement, which led to the resignation of the prime minister. Peru: In late September 2025, Gen Z protesters clashed with police over a new bill that would force young people to pay into a private pension fund. The protests reflect broader frustration with government corruption. Other youth-led protests have taken place in Indonesia, the Philippines and Timor-Leste. Underlying concerns fueling the protests Economic injustice and elite privilege: Flashy social media posts flaunting elite wealth have fueled anger among young people who face limited job prospects and widening economic inequality. Corruption and authoritarianism: Protesters frequently cite systemic political corruption, democratic backsliding, and authoritarian tendencies as central grievances. Decline in living standards: A genMorocco: A series of ongoing demonstrations began in late September 2025, organized by anonymous eral decline in the quality of public services and rising costs of living have prompted many young people to take TAXES from page 7 the United States, people had to choose between the plague and cholera. Here, we have many parties, including smaller ones, that have to work together. And we have a growing civil society, alliances and clever minds who can explain the connection between democracy, inheritance tax and inequality. But don’t the super-rich ultimately have the upper hand because of their vast wealth and the resulting influence that they can exert on politicians and social debates? They have very strong cards, but they no longer play alone at the table. We are now demanding our place and saying, “This is not how democracy works.” We must engage in dialogue with one another. What is the first step towards a more equitable society? Becoming informed. If the population is not even aware of how extreme the inequality is, why should people rebel against it? Why should they say, “We want a different policy” if they do not realize that Germany is one of the most unequal democracies in the world? We have the fourth highest number of billionaires and the third highest number of millionaires. We need to spread the word that something is seriously wrong here. When you realise, “Wow, two families own more wealth than the poorer half, more than 40 million people in Germany,” you start to think, “Oh, maybe the problem isn’t with migrants or people on welfare, but with policies that favour the richest.” to the streets. Lack of public accountability: Demonstrators are frustrated by the lack of government accountability for failing public services, mismanagement of funds, and abuse of power. Climate change: Gen Z continues to be highly concerned about the climate crisis. Activists are holding politicians and corporations accountable for their actions. Youth-focused initiatives, such as the Global Youth Climate Summit 2025, are being organized to empower and mobilize young leaders in climate action. The role of social media and independent news media outlets As indicated previously, social media platforms are a crucial tool for these protests, enabling decentralized coordination and communication among activists. Online movements help amplify calls for change, even when governments attempt to censor or block platforms. Independent and non-profit news media outlets like Status Coup, Democracy Now, Al Jazeera, Groundcover News and many other independent news media outlets are alternative news sources utilized because of the lack of corporate media coverage on these protests, and the need for reliable information. Gen Z's’ global protests in an ever changing world are redefining the methodology of dissent with their willingness to challenge old systematic authorities and ideology. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 15
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