Journalism of Courage
From Peru to Nepal, Gen Z leads wave of youth-led protests worldwide
As Peru's youth is protesting for the president's resignation, Madagascar's President was was forced out of power this week.
October 17, 2025 10:56 AM IST
First published on: Oct 16, 2025 at 11:34 AM IST
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Demonstrators push a security railing near Congress during a protest against President Jose Jeri in Lima, Peru. (AP Photo) A new generation of protesters is taking the streets across the globe, voicing anger at corruption, inequality, and government inaction. Peru’s recent events are a display of the phenomenon, as Gen Z activists demand the resignation of newly sworn-in President José Jerí amid growing social and economic grievances.
At least one protester was killed and about 100 people injured during demonstrations in Peru’s capital Lima on Wednesday. The protests, led primarily by Gen Z activists, have prompted President Jerí to prepare a declaration of a state of emergency, while promising to seek expanded powers to combat crime.
“My responsibility is to maintain the stability of the country; that is my responsibility and my commitment,” Jerí told the press after visiting Peru’s Parliament.
The protests began a month ago over pension reforms and wages for young people but expanded to encompass frustration with crime, corruption, and decades of disillusionment with the political system. At the same time, protesters denounced Jerí’s prior legislative record, accusing him of supporting laws that weaken efforts to fight crime.
Here are other regions of the world that have recently gone through Gen Z-led protests:
Madagascar
In Madagascar, President Andry Rajoelina was forced out following a military mutiny amid Gen Z-led protests.
Demonstrators, calling themselves “Gen Z Madagascar,” were initially protesting water and electricity cuts but quickly expanded their demands to broader discontent with government corruption and nepotism. On Wednesday, the military coup leader announced he was “taking the position of president.”
Nepal
In Nepal, deadly protests led by Gen Z culminated in the resignation of the prime minister in September. Protesters took inspiration from anti-government movements in Sri Lanka in 2022 and Bangladesh in 2024.
Young Nepalese circumvented government social media bans using TikTok, Instagram, X, and Discord to organise rallies and fight inequalities. Yujan Rajbhandari, a protester, said, according to AP: “The changes that took place after the Gen Z protests in Nepal spread globally through digital platforms, influencing other countries as well. We realized that we are global citizens and the digital space connects us all.”
Indonesia and Philippines
In Indonesia, deadly protests erupted over lawmakers’ perks and the rising cost of living, forcing the president to replace key economic and security ministers.
In the Philippines, similar youth-led protests have highlighted discontent with government corruption and social inequalities.
Kenya and Morocco
In Kenya, young protesters have mobilised against economic inequality and government inaction, joining a global wave of youth-led demonstrations demanding systemic change.
In Morocco, a leaderless collective called Gen Z 212 has taken to the streets to demand better public services and increased spending on health and education.
Madagascar
On Wednesday, Madagascar’s military coup leader announced that he is “taking the position of president,” reported AP.
Across several countries, protesters have rallied around a distinctive pop culture emblem: a black flag featuring a grinning skull and crossbones wearing a straw hat. The flag originates from the cult Japanese manga and anime series One Piece, which tells the story of a pirate crew challenging corrupt governments.
(With inputs from agencies)
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