Year-ender 2025: Gen Z turns online outrage into street power across continents

They grew up online, but in 2025, Generation Z took its anger beyond screens and into the streets, driving protests that shook governments across continents.

From Nepal to Madagascar and Mexico, youth-led movements went global, challenging authority and forcing political reckonings.

Nepal 

In Nepal, large-scale protests erupted in September after the government imposed a ban on several major social media platforms. The move triggered widespread youth unrest, with demonstrators accusing authorities of silencing dissent. The pressure eventually mounted to the point where the prime minister was forced out, marking one of the most dramatic political outcomes of Gen Z mobilisation this year.

Madagascar

Madagascar witnessed a similar surge of youth anger in late September and October, initially sparked by prolonged water and power cuts. What began as protests over basic services quickly evolved into a broader anti-government movement. The crisis deepened when sections of the army reportedly refused orders to open fire on demonstrators. Amid escalating unrest, President Andry Rajoelina fled the country in mid-October.

Morocco

In Morocco, young activists used online networks to organise under the banner “Gen Z 212,” rallying against economic pressures, unemployment and failing public services. Digital platforms played a central role in coordinating protests and spreading their message nationwide.

Mexico

Meanwhile, in Mexico City, thousands of young people, joined by older supporters, poured onto the streets in mid-November following the high-profile killing of a local mayor. Protesters demanded action on crime, corruption and impunity. The demonstrations turned violent in places, with clashes between police and protesters leaving dozens injured.

While each country had its own trigger, a common thread linked the movements: a digitally native generation using online tools to transform local grievances into national debates about accountability, governance and opportunity. Shared symbols, hashtags and social-media-driven organising allowed protests to spread rapidly, even as governments attempted bans and crackdowns.

Whether this wave of Gen Z activism will translate into lasting political reforms remains uncertain. With elections approaching in places such as Nepal in 2026, the impact of this youth-driven momentum is set to remain under close global scrutiny.