Youth-led protests, often called Gen Z movements, have recently erupted in Morocco and Madagascar, joining a global wave seen in countries like Nepal, the Philippines, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Kenya. In Morocco, demonstrations started in late September 2025 over inadequate public services like healthcare, contrasting with heavy government spending on the 2030 FIFA World Cup infrastructure. In Madagascar, protests began in September 2025 due to frequent power and water shortages, escalating into demands for President Andry Rajoelina's resignation after violent crackdowns. These events highlight young people's growing frustration with economic inequality, joblessness, and elite dominance, amplified by social media, in middle-income countries facing slow growth and unfulfilled promises.
What are Gen Z Protests and How are They Spreading Globally?
Definition and Characteristics: Gen Z protests refer to movements led by young people born between 1997 and 2012, who use social media for quick organization and focus on issues like economic inequality, job scarcity, and poor governance; these are often leaderless, starting online and moving to streets, as seen in Morocco's Gen Z 212 and Madagascar's Gen Z Mada.
Historical Background: Youth-led protests have a long history, from 1970s anti-war demonstrations in the US to 2010s pro-democracy actions in Hong Kong; young people often lead because they form political views early, have more time for activism, and see policies directly affecting their future, but low representation in governments (e.g., average Indian MP age 56 vs. population average 27.8) adds to grievances.
Global Spread and Connections: These protests spread through social media's rapid mobilization, linking countries like Nepal (against elite "nepo kids"), Philippines (corruption), Indonesia (economic hardships), Bangladesh (government change), Kenya (tax opposition), and now Morocco and Madagascar; a common thread is middle-income countries' slow growth post-World War II, losing manufacturing jobs that once drove economies like Japan or Korea, leaving youth with degrees but no opportunities.
Why Have Gen Z Protests Erupted in Morocco?
Triggers and Immediate Causes: Protests started on September 27, 2025, after eight women died during childbirth in Agadir hospital, highlighting poor healthcare; anger grew over billions spent on 2030 FIFA World Cup stadiums while schools and hospitals suffer, with chants like "Stadiums are here, but where are the hospitals?"
Economic and Social Context: Morocco, a constitutional monarchy, has over half its population under 35, but youth unemployment is 36% and per capita GDP $3,993 (below global average $13,000); poverty reduced via tourism, but inequality persists, with elites flaunting wealth online, frustrating young people promised better lives through education.
Demands and Organization: Gen Z 212 demands government dismissal, anti-corruption measures, and reforms in healthcare and education; organized via Discord and TikTok, the movement sent letters to King Mohammed VI for intervention, supported by intellectuals urging structural changes.
Why Have Gen Z Protests Erupted in Madagascar?
Triggers and Immediate Causes: Demonstrations began in late September 2025 over frequent power and water cuts, escalating after over 20 deaths in government crackdowns; protesters now demand President Andry Rajoelina's resignation, rejecting his dialogue offers.
Economic and Social Context: Half of Madagascar's population is under 18, with per capita GDP $545 and over 75% below poverty line; income fell 45% since 1960 independence from France, creating widespread discontent amid weak job creation and rising living costs.
Demands and Organization: Started as Gen Z Mada on Facebook and TikTok, later allied with unions and civil society; demands focus on better governance and utilities, with Rajoelina firing his cabinet but facing accusations of "illegal power seizure."
What Unites These Protests Across Countries?
Common Grievances: Despite different triggers, unity lies in elite resource hoarding, high youth unemployment, and broken promises of upward mobility; in middle-income nations, slow growth (e.g., Morocco below 4% since 2011) leaves educated youth jobless, as noted by expert Janjira Sombatpoonsiri.
Role of Social Media and Elite Behavior: Platforms enable fast coordination but struggle with longevity without coalitions; elites' luxury displays (e.g., expensive watches) enrage youth, amplifying inequality visible online.
Broader Theory Behind Youth Activism: Protests stem from "convergence of conditions" in diverse settings, per risk expert Bilal Bassiouni; unlike past movements like Arab Spring, current ones face repression but achieve changes (e.g., Nepal, Bangladesh governments fell), showing Gen Z's push for renewal against aging leaders.
What are the Challenges, Government Responses, and Potential Outcomes?
Challenges Faced: Leaderless structure aids quick start but hinders sustained demands; crackdowns cause injuries (over 300 in Morocco) and arrests (over 1,000), with violence from both sides; without broad alliances, movements may fade, as per Sombatpoonsiri.
Government Responses: In Morocco, Prime Minister offers dialogue and medical improvements, King urges reforms; in Madagascar, President sacks cabinet but labels protests illegal; responses mix appeasement and force, often failing to address root causes.
Potential Outcomes and Impacts: Protests could lead to reforms if coalitions form, inspiring Africa-wide youth action; they highlight need for job creation and equality, but risks include escalation, as seen in deaths and unrest mirroring Arab Spring.
© 2025 Gaining Sun. All rights reserved.