Gen Z protests: What unites them? - BBC World Service

Summary

A wave of youth-led protests has taken place in India, France, Italy and Albania, amid similar demonstrations elsewhere. The report says the protests share some broad grievances but do not form one unified movement.

Protests by country

• India: The Cockroach Janta Party, which began as online satire, led protests after a medical entrance exam leak. The education minister resigned in July. The group later demanded the Chief Election Commissioner’s resignation after 130 million names were removed from voter lists. The government says it removed duplicate, deceased or relocated voters; protesters allege the removals benefit the governing BJP. The group’s leader was arrested on the day of a planned rally.
• France: Students began protesting in September over teacher shortages and deteriorating school buildings. Teachers and unions joined them. Some demonstrations later turned violent, and thousands of people were arrested.
• Italy: Students in several cities held a “No Meloni Day,” calling for more teachers, funding and improved school buildings. Clashes occurred in some cities, and protesters said they were inspired by events in France.
• Albania: Protests began over a proposed luxury resort that demonstrators said would threaten flamingos, then broadened into anger over corruption. Students also walked out over university fees and conditions. Police used tear gas, while protesters threw stones and petrol bombs. The prime minister rejected calls to resign and blamed “foreign hands” for the unrest.

Wider context

The report places these events in a wider pattern of student protests, citing movements in Bangladesh and Nepal that brought down governments, as well as protests in Indonesia, the Philippines, Morocco, Madagascar, Peru and Mexico.

Across countries, young people are protesting issues including unemployment and inadequate investment in education, healthcare and other services. Social media helps movements organise without clear leaders and lets young people see and support protests abroad.

The causes, tactics and outcomes vary. Some movements focus mainly on schools and spending, while others also target corruption. Some have been peaceful, while others have involved violence. Governments have variously faced resignations or been toppled, repressed protesters, offered concessions, or ignored demonstrations.

One contributor argues that governments should treat Gen Z as an important voting bloc and future political constituency, rather than dismissing young people as children.

Presenters and contributors

The subtitles do not identify anyone by name. They include an unnamed BBC narrator and unnamed contributors discussing the protests, social media and government responses.