Following Bangladesh and Nepal, Gen-Z Protests Spread Across Europe—What’s Driving Them?

Protests led by the younger generation are spreading across various European countries. Driven by grievances—such as the mismanagement of educational institutions, a lack of employment opportunities, the rising cost of living, corruption, a housing crisis, and the feeling that their voices are ignored by political leaders—members of Generation Z are taking to the streets. In some places, these protests have turned violent, while in others, they have paved the way for political change.

Following youth-led movements in Bangladesh in 2024 and Nepal in 2025, Gen-Z protests have gained significant momentum across Europe this year. From the suburbs of Paris to Belgrade in Serbia, and from Milan in Italy to Tirana, the capital of Albania, thousands of young people are participating in demonstrations. Their demands include improved education systems, better employment prospects, affordable housing, an end to corruption, and the inclusion of youth perspectives in political decision-making.

A report by the news agency Reuters suggests that economic uncertainty and a deep-seated distrust of political leadership are the primary drivers behind these youth movements. Many young people feel that the space to dream about their future is steadily shrinking.

Young People Take to the Streets, Fueled by Frustration

In Brussels, 19-year-old student Maya Gurdel sat at her desk, drafting slogans against the country’s leadership. One of her slogans read: "If we burn, you burn with us!"—a line borrowed from the 2012 film *The Hunger Games* that has since become a symbol for youth movements worldwide. Across Europe, Gen-Z-led protests reflect a profound sense of anger, frustration, and a yearning for change.

According to the Reuters report, thousands of shops in France have been vandalized or looted during recent protests. In some instances, police have deployed stun grenades and water cannons to disperse the demonstrators. According to Chiara, a 21-year-old student in Milan—a city currently gripped by protests—participating in spontaneous, grassroots movements is vital. In her words, "Such collective action has only been possible because of an explosion of pent-up frustration."

She asserts, "The greatest harm the ruling class has inflicted upon my generation is stripping us of the very ability to imagine or dream about the future."

Chiara points out that students in Italy face a grim reality: schools lack sufficient teachers, and the buildings themselves are dilapidated. Compounding this are low-wage jobs and the precariousness of living in cramped, overpriced housing far from city centers.

**The Cost of Living and the Employment Crisis**

A primary driver of these Gen-Z protests is the rising cost of living. A 2025 European Union survey reveals that for 40 percent of individuals aged 16 to 30, inflation and the cost of living are major sources of anxiety.

In 2025, 92.7 million people within the European Union were at risk of poverty or social exclusion. Among those aged 18 to 24, the figure stood at 26.3 percent—significantly higher than the 18.8 percent observed among those aged 65 and older.

Young people are also concerned that they may eventually have to shoulder the financial burden of an older generation—a demographic that, notably, tends to vote in higher numbers. According to the French research institute OFCE, people over the age of 60 make up one-quarter of France’s population, yet they own 60 percent of the nation’s total wealth.

In France, pensions represent the largest category of public expenditure. Due to an aging population and strong public opposition to raising the retirement age or reducing pension benefits, as much as 14 percent of the country’s economic output is directed toward pensions.

Data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) for 2025 indicates that Greece and Italy spend approximately 16 percent of their national income on public pensions. In contrast, countries such as Australia, Chile, Iceland, Ireland, and South Korea allocate less than 4 percent of their GDP to this sector. A report released by the French government in October indicates that between 2000 and 2023, pension expenditure as a percentage of GDP increased by 2.5 percentage points. During the same period, spending on education declined by 0.5 percentage points. The report further notes that because 32 percent of the Ministry of Education’s budget is allocated to pensions, there is less funding available for other areas of education.

Frustration over the dire state and neglect of educational institutions

Bilal Narjisi, a 17-year-old student from a suburb north of Paris, France, is protesting against the poor condition of his school and a shortage of staff. He recounts that rats were once seen on the school premises. Last year, a section of the roof collapsed into the school courtyard, forcing the evacuation of students—though, fortunately, no one was injured.

Reflecting on the protests, Bilal says, "This shows that young people across Europe are united. We all agree on one thing: young people are often treated in an overly childish manner, and their voices are not taken seriously enough."

In Belgium, Maya Gurdel is also participating in protests demanding improvements to the school environment. "We tried to address this peacefully, but no one listened," she says. "It was only when people began setting fire to trash—and engaging in similar actions—that the media and cameras finally turned their attention toward us."

In Germany, too, there are plans for protests concerning the rising cost of living, inequality, war, and the state of educational institutions.

Protests in Albania; youth look toward a future abroad

Unrest has also spread to Albania. Student-led protests against the government of Prime Minister Edi Rama have erupted in the capital, Tirana, and several other cities. The movement is driven by grievances including allegations of corruption, a lack of employment opportunities, and dissatisfaction with the quality of education.

19-year-old...