Gen Z Protesters United by an Anime Pirate Flag Topple Yet Another Government
The president of Madagascar, Andry Rajoelina, has been removed from power following a week of protests led by young people frustrated with corruption, inequality, and basic service failures.
The military seized control on Tuesday after lawmakers voted to impeach Rajoelina, who said he fled the country for his safety when an elite unit joined the demonstrators.
This marks the second recent government change influenced by Gen Z protests. Last month, the prime minister of Nepal resigned after similar youth-led demonstrations. Across the world, young people have been protesting in countries like Indonesia, the Philippines, East Timor, Peru, and Morocco, often driven by economic hardship and political frustration.
In Madagascar, the protests were sparked in part by a shared symbol: a pirate flag from the Japanese anime One Piece.
The flag features a skull wearing a straw hat, representing rebellion against unfair systems. In Madagascar, the group Gen Z Madagascar has adapted the design, replacing the straw hat with a traditional local hat.
Katsuya Izumi, a lecturer at Trinity College, said young protesters connect with anime heroes who are often marginalized or ignored in society. In Madagascar, where the median age is 19, youth are frustrated by power and water shortages. Protests began in the capital, Antananarivo, on September 25 and were organized through social media.
Protesters demanded Rajoelina’s resignation, criticizing his focus on projects like a new cable car while much of the population struggles with malnutrition, lack of clean water, and electricity outages.
To Ranaivoharijao, 26, from Gen Z Madagascar, said, “We just can’t take it anymore. The president is building a cable car in the capital, while most of the population is suffering from malnutrition, lack of clean water and power outages.”
Authorities tried to suppress the protests using tear gas, rubber bullets, and firearms. The UN reported at least 22 deaths, though the government disputes this number.
Despite the violence, young protesters celebrated the change in government. Ranaivoharijao said civil society remains cautious, but youth are optimistic and plan to stay engaged. “We hope everything will go well. No one could do worse than what Rajoelina did,” he said.
The protests in Madagascar show how young people are connecting across borders, inspired by global youth movements and shared symbols like the One Piece pirate flag.
It’s striking how a pop culture symbol can unite young people across countries for political action. Gen Z’s involvement in these protests highlights their frustration with inequality and corruption. It will be interesting to see whether these movements continue to influence governments worldwide. What do you think about the role of youth and pop culture in politics? Share your thoughts in the comments.
