Why are Gen Z protesters out on the streets across the world?
France has just been rocked by some of its worst rioting in modern history. Thousands have been arrested, young people locked down under curfew and buildings set on fire.
President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence and said rioters would be brought to justice. But this extends beyond France.
In Belgium, students are on the streets primarily over education. In Spain and Portugal, though, housing’s the trigger. And in Italy, it’s the cost of living.
It’s even spread as far as Albania, where months of demonstrations turned violent in recent days.
Outside Europe, Morocco, Madagascar and Indonesia have all seen youth-led protests in the past 12 months.
And India’s ‘cockroach’ movement of Gen Z protesters has swarmed the country demanding resignations.
In this episode of the breakdown, we look at what set off France’s worst protests in years, why anger is now appearing across Europe – and whether it’s all now part of a global Gen Z revolt.
We also speak to Maddie Lily, of Mads Talks Politics, a UK-based Gen Z content creator specialising in politics about why these familiar issues have been resonating with young people.
Presenter: Andrew Misra
Producer: Tyler Anderson
Series Producer: Joseph Keith