This garnered my attention last Friday when I received a newsletter from a french podcaster that I listen to, in which he gave a brief overview of the situation.

According to France 24, the planning began in July with social media being the platform that connected people across France. It is also worth noting that the majority of these protesters fall into the far left, describing themselves in surveys as very politically active. Another distinguishing factor France 24 mentioned is the most common age of the movement. "A quarter of "Block Everything" backers are aged 25 to 34... Only 4 percent are over 70" (Brunet). Finally, the issues driving this protest center around rising inequalities, 54% citing this as the main concern, with the environment and the health system at 43% and 30% respectively (Brunet).

With this profile, we can clearly see the major player that social media has become in facilitating people's opinions, actions, and sentiments. With quick communication comes quicker jumps into action. As with everything, this can be both a useful and detrimental tool.

The interviewer, James André, from France 24 discussed how the loose structure of these scattered protests had varying effects. Some demonstrations in Paris caused fires and violence to erupt between police and citizens, while others were peaceful. This raises more questions surrounding demonstrations, specifically how do we have our voices heard without begetting anger and violence.

"Bloquons Tout" is an example of what this generation of protesting is evolving into. We shouldn't dismiss the power behind these movements and what they have to say. Nor should we ignore the tool that social media has become in connecting and creating change. Still, now more than ever, it is critical to analyze the content we consume, and watch for insidious echo chambers that fuel extremism.

Works Cited:

Gozzi, Laura. "Protests hit France as new PM takes office." BBC, 10 September 2025, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8643qg252lo

Brunet, Romain. "Jeune, politisé, très à gauche : quel est le profil du mouvement 'Bloquons tout'?" France 24. 3 September 2025, https://www.france24.com/en/france/20250906-young-politicised-far-left-who-are-france-block-everything-protesters

France 24. "Hundreds arrested as police clash with France's 'Block Everything' protesters." France 24. 9 September 2025,

https://www.france24.com/en/france/20250910-live-france-faces-block-everything-shutdown-as-new-pm-lecornu-takes-office

Honor Pledge:

I pledge that I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized aid- including from individuals, programs like Google Translate, or Generative Artificial Intelligence tools- to generate any of the language in this work or in any draft versions of this work.

For context, in 2005, France established the Disability Law, which effectively increased the number of children with disabilities attending schools (Disability: IN, 2025).

The France education system relies on a duel model which is essentially main-stream schools that are supplemented with specific systems for supporting students with disabilities. This includes Collective Schooling which is built into the schools, allowing students to receive more tailored education on specific subjects when needed. There is also Schooling Life Auxiliaries which are specialized people there to provide schooling support. Finally Specific Education Services and home care are also trained people who support students of a specific age and specific disability (Eurydice, 2024).

Even with these seemingly ideal institutions, there are many pitfalls that have emerged. RFI highlights the varying degrees of support from school to school. Many students end up waiting for "adapted teaching material" such as braille keyboards and specific softwares that the state is supposed to provide.

There is an issue with the guidance these students are receiving. It is vital to establish well-trained people in these schools. Otherwise students lack aid in choosing career paths; ones that will be accessible to them and appropriate for their skills and interests.

France is working toward complete integration into main-stream schools for all students. RFI talks about students being required to adapt to the system rather than the system being able to effectively adapt to them. This captures the main issue. In order for more successful change to occur, there must be consideration and dedication to establishing strong aid and accessibility in all schools.

Works Cited:

Radio France Internationale. "Record number of disabled pupils in French schools, but support gaps remain" Radio France Internationale. 4 September, 2025,

https://www.rfi.fr/en/france/20250904-record-number-of-disabled-pupils-in-french-schools-but-gaps-in-support-remain

Eurydice. "Special education needs provision within mainstream education" European Union. 29 March, 2024, https://eurydice.eacea.ec.europa.eu/eurypedia/france/special-education-needs-provision-within-mainstream-education#:~:text=Collective%20schooling:%20when%20the%20requirements,Decree%20no.

Disability: IN. "France" Disability: IN. 2025,

https://disabilityin.org/country/france/

Ministère De l'Éducation Nationale, De L'Enseignement Supérieur Et Ee La Recherche. "International perspectives on inclusive education" Ministère De l'Éducation Nationale. April 2025,

https://www.education.gouv.fr/international-perspectives-inclusive-education-9734

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I, Jewel McGee, pledge that I have

not given, received, or used any unauthorized aid—including from

individuals, programs like Google Translate, or Generative Artificial

Intelligence tools—to generate any of the language in this work or in any

draft versions of this work.

These protests, heavily led by younger, Gen Z citizens, gained traction when the military unit CAPSAT announced their support of the protesters. This move spurred President Rajoelina into leaving the country in concern over his safety, and quickly after this, the parliament voted to impeach him. Rajoelina's efforts to remain in power, such as dissolving the National Assembly, were unsuccessful, and as of now, it is unclear what he will do next. Currently the CAPSAT colonel Michael Randrianirina is serving as the interim President of Madagascar.

New York Times John Eligon and Connor Greene of Time, mention that this movement being led by Gen Z is not limited to Madagascar, but is occurring around the world in countries such as Peru, the Philippines, and Morocco (another Francophone country). These worldwide movements are highlighting the failing of governments, especially in regards to younger generations who have lifetimes ahead of them. Eligon gives certain issues young citizens are speaking out on including the former president being "too beholden to France," and that he has failed to make change in Madagascar where according to the World Bank Group, as of 2022, 75% of the population fell below the poverty line. Eligon points out the fact that Madagascar is a country rich in mineral resources and the largest producer of vanilla in the world. These advantages are seemingly not put back toward the people but rather, "squandered" by those in power.

It is not surprising that younger generations are speaking out, and the worry now is what the future of Madagascar holds as they hopefully move towards a better government that works for the people rather than itself.

Works Cited:

Eligon, John. "Madagascar Military Seizes Power, Then Nation Explodes in Joy" New York Times, 14 October, 2025, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/14/world/africa/madagascar.html

Schnied, Rebecca. "Madagascar's Army Takes Over As Gen Z Protesters Topple Another Government. Here's What We Know." Time, 14 October, 2025, https://time.com/7325597/madagascar-coup-army-gen-z/

World Bank Group. "Madagascar Poverty Assessment: Navigating Two Decades of High Poverty and Charting a Course for Change" World Bank Group, February 2024,

https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/madagascar/publication/madagascar-afe-poverty-assessment-navigating-two-decades-of-high-poverty-and-charting-a-course-for-change

Greene, Connor. "What to Know About the ‘Gen Z’ Protests Roiling Countries Across the Globe" Time, 2 October 2025,

https://time.com/7322834/gen-z-protests-government-corruption/

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I, Jewel McGee, pledge that I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized aid- including from individuals, programs like Google Translate, or Generative Artificial Intelligence tools- to generate any of the language in this work or in any draft versions of this work.

Interestingly enough the movement was not a hot topic for younger citizens until this past summer. There are many contributing factors to the question of sovereignty being back on the table. Authier cites Alain Giguère’s, the president of CROP (Centre de Recherche sur l’Opinion Publique) reasoning for why there is an increase in youth support. He speaks of a general drop in "attachment to a Canadian Identity” which this point is heavily talked about by president Camille Goyette-Gringras of Oui Québec group (who are advocates for sovereignty, focused on younger people). City News Everywhere author Johanie Bouffard hears from both Goyette-Gringas, and people interviewed at the movement's rallies, speaking about the pride they feel for Quebec culture. Some feel that the language in particular is in danger, while many express that independence will allow Quebec culture to thrive and act for itself. Goyette-Gringas in particular mentions the artistic support which videos on the home page of Oui Québec show a particular rapper named Kinjioo, who has garnered support for the movement through his music. 

Much of this movement has surpassed political boundaries. For example Oui Québec is a non-partisan group, emphasizing the inclusion of all demographics in this push for independence, and many of the interviews mentioned above were clear and happy to state that Quebec is open for all people. 

Back to Giguère, he also mentions the lack of support from the federal government for Quebec as a contributing factor, especially for younger citizens who are currently considering what their futures will look like. This is very similar to other youth movements around the world. Younger generations are not happy with governmental support and taking measures to make a change. 

Finally, a large contribution to this movement's traction is social media, yet another pattern seen in youth-centered protests. Social media provides a quick and creative way to share information with each other, allowing organized, informed movements to form rapidly if there is enough passion behind them.

Works Cited:

Authier, Philip. "More and more Quebec youth support independence, poll says" The Gazette, 8 August 2025,

https://montrealgazette.com/news/more-and-more-quebec-youth-support-independence-poll-says

"Accueil" Oui Québec, https://www.ouiquebec.org/

Bouffard, Johanie. "Quebec sovereigntists rally in Montreal on 30th anniversary of 1995 Referendum" City News Everywhere, 25 October 2025,

https://montreal.citynews.ca/2025/10/25/quebec-sovereigntists-rally-montreal/

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I, Jewel McGee, pledge that I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized aid- including from individuals, programs like Google Translate, or Generative Artificial Intelligence tools- to generate any of the language in this work or in any draft versions of this work.

As with similar GenZ movements occurring across the globe, young Moroccan citizens are looking toward grim futures and expressing a desire to create major changes. Ruck mentions the persistence of a “two-speed Morocco” which shows on one side a modern nation with “high-speed trains and gleaming new stadiums” and the on the other a world where 45% of rural households are reported as having “no access to local health services.” It is realities like these that inspired GenZ 212 to call for what were originally deemed “peaceful sit-ins.” 

According to France 24, King Mohammed VI addressed fighting such issues in his annual address to parliament, but he did not acknowledge the protests occurring across the country. 

After the initial wave of protests, France 24 recounts over 2,400 young Moroccan citizens are facing prosecution for the protests. Various charges are defined such as group rebellion, assaulting law enforcement, and participating in armed gatherings. As of Monday, October 27th, courts had convicted a little of 400 people, 76 who were minors. It should also be noted that up to 60 people face 15 years in prison for looting, arson, and vandalism. The AMDH (Moroccan Association for Human Rights) was watching closely, calling for “fair trials” for everyone involved. 

The worst of the violence culminated in three deaths during protests. Over the past two weeks, the movement has slowly died down as King Mohammed VI continues to call for social reforms with action behind the claims. A draft laying out 15 million for improvements in health and education will hopefully be seen through, and if not, it is clear that citizens will not be silent. 

Works Cited:

France 24. "More than 2,400 young Moroccans face prosecution over Gen Z protests" France 24, 29 October, 2025, https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20251029-more-than-2-000-young-moroccans-face-prosecution-over-gen-z-protests

France 24. "Morocco’s GenZ 212 youth collective calls for ‘peaceful sit-ins’ to demand reforms" France 24, 13 October, 2025, https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20251013-morocco-youth-genz-reforms-protest

Isabel Ruck. "Morocco’s Gen Z Protests: A New Form of Opposition?" Arab Center Washington DC, 29 October, 2025, https://arabcenterdc.org/resource/moroccos-gen-z-protests-a-new-form-of-opposition/

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I, Jewel McGee, pledge that I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized aid- including from individuals, programs like Google Translate, or Generative Artificial Intelligence tools- to generate any of the language in this work or in any draft versions of this work.

France specifically has a lot of environmental action groups raising awareness, and it should be noted that, as with many other current social justice issues, groups from different countries inspire each other with their movements, sparking change across borders. This is particularly true with Generation Z using social media as a tool to garner support across geographical and language barriers.

Take Youth for Climate, a youth-centered environmental group that was launched by Greta Thunberg in 2019. Their website showcases a mission statement, various protests that they've initiated, and informative articles. Youth for Climate has a discord that is open for anyone interested to become involved with the movement.

Radio France interviewed a Youth for Climate activist named Lois Mallet at their very first protest in 2019, and he spoke on a principal idea that can be linked to other protests occurring then and now: worry over the future. In considering the next couple of decades, Generation Z finds many issues that they choose to speak out about. This is primarily because we are the ones inheriting the poor choices being implemented in society now.

Mallet mentions frustrations over a lack of action, specifically in education centers. He recounts never truly being taught the detrimental effects of climate change until he reached college level education. Even then, his university lacked the resources to be environmentally friendly. "That’s why students are going crazy and demonstrating. We don’t even have the possibility on campus just to recycle our trash. That’s so problematic."

Among social concerns in 2025, environmental justice remains a clear point of distress. Though action is being taken by governments and citizens alike, we are far from the environmentally conscious world for which many hope.

Worked Cited:

Mehring, Liana. "Youth and Climate Activism in France." Climate Scorecard, 29 June 2022, https://www.climatescorecard.org/2022/06/youth-and-climate-activism-in-france/

Youth for Climate. "Qui sommes-nous ?" Youth for Climate, https://youthforclimate.fr/

Elzas, Sarah. "Interview: French climate activist on impact of global youth movement" Radio France Internationale, 5 June, 2019, https://www.rfi.fr/en/environment/20190605-interview-french-student-climate-activist-impact-global-youth-movement

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I, Jewel McGee, pledge that I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized aid- including from individuals, programs like Google Translate, or Generative Artificial Intelligence tools- to generate any of the language in this work or in any draft versions of this work.