Generation Z has emerged as a significant political demographic, characterized by progressive values, digital fluency, and a strong willingness to challenge the status quo. Over the past few years, members of Generation Z generally defined as individuals born between the late 1990s and early 2000s have played a decisive role in mass political mobilizations that have resulted in the overthrow of governments in several countries, including Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bulgaria. The assertion that Generation Z is “non-serious” about politics is demonstrably inaccurate. Recent global events illustrate that this generation represents a highly active, unconventional, and impactful political force. Although Gen Z has yet to dominate formal political institutions, its activism has produced tangible political outcomes, including significant policy changes and the removal of entrenched political leadership. Notably, three South Asian states and one Southeast European country have witnessed governments’ fall following youth-led uprisings. Across these cases, Gen Z-led movements have been triggered by similar grievances, including systemic corruption, lack of accountability, democratic deficits, and economic inequality. In each instance, young protestors highlighted the stark contrast between the privileges enjoyed by political elites such as state-provided housing and extensive benefits and the daily economic struggles faced by ordinary citizens. The growing political influence of GenZ is striking and signals a broader generational intolerance toward corruption, authoritarianism, fascist tendencies, and hereditary political systems.
In 2022, Sri Lanka became the first country to witness a successful Gen Z-led uprising that resulted in the collapse of a sitting government. The country experienced a youth-driven mass movement known as Aragalaya (The Struggle), which emerged in response to severe economic hardship, rampant corruption, and political mismanagement. Protests began on April 1, 2022, targeting the government of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The movement rapidly gained momentum, with thousands of young demonstrators mobilizing both online and offline under slogans such as “Go Home, Gota.” Ultimately, the uprising culminated in the resignation and exile of the president, marking a historic moment in Sri Lanka’s political history and demonstrating, for the first time, the transformative power of Generation Z in reshaping national governance.
In August 2024, Bangladesh became the second South Asian country where a Gen Z-led protest movement resulted in the resignation of a long-serving prime minister. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid stepped down after weeks of nationwide protests initially sparked by opposition to the government’s quota system for public-sector jobs. The demonstrations escalated into widespread unrest, during which at least 280 people were killed and thousands injured as security forces cracked down on protestors. Following her resignation, an interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize winning economist Muhammad Yunus was established, with general elections scheduled for February 2026. On November 17, 2025, Sheikh Hasina was convicted by a court for crimes against humanity and sentenced to death. These developments further underscore the growing influence of Generation Z on national political trajectories.
In September 2025, Nepal experienced a similar youth-led upheaval that resulted in the downfall of Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli’s government. The protests were initially triggered by social media posts shared by the children of Nepalese political elites, who appeared to be enjoying luxurious lifestyles, including expensive holidays, mansion living, and designer fashion, amid widespread economic stagnation and youth unemployment. Public outrage intensified as online campaigns gained traction. In response, the government imposed restrictions on social media platforms, a move that further inflamed public anger. The ensuing protests turned violent, resulting in multiple fatalities. Protestors eventually stormed and vandalized the parliament building, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Oli, who subsequently fled the country. In the aftermath, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was sworn in as interim prime minister.
In December 2025, Gen Z-led activism extended beyond South Asia and contributed to the collapse of a government in Europe. On December 12, 2025, the Bulgarian government, led by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, resigned following weeks of mass protests against corruption and a controversial 2026 budget proposal that included tax increases. The demonstrations among the largest in Bulgaria in recent decades featured significant participation by young people demanding transparency, accountability, and systemic political reform. Although the protests initially focused on economic policy, they quickly evolved into a broader anti-government movement, ultimately forcing the resignation of the cabinet just ahead of a no-confidence vote. Subsequently, the President began consultations with political parties to form a new administration.
Conclusively, the current decade appears to be one in which Gen Z is increasingly shaping national political futures. Contrary to the perception of their politically disengagement, young people across multiple regions have demonstrated a willingness to take decisive action against corruption, economic injustice, and authoritarian governance. Beyond the countries discussed, Generation Z has also mobilized in states such as Morocco, Madagascar, and Indonesia. Although these movements did not succeed in toppling governments, they nonetheless illustrate the growing political agency and transformative potential of this generation.
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