The largest anti-government protests that shook the world

Since 2016, the world has witnessed a wave of large-scale anti-government protests that have mobilised millions of people across continents. These demonstrations have been driven by a range of causes, from economic inequality and political repression to corruption and demands for democratic reform.

Drawing on data from Statista, this piece highlights some of the largest and most impactful anti-government protests of recent years.

South Korea - Candlelight protests in 2016

The Candlelight Demonstrations in South Korea between 2016 and 2017 marked a turning point in the country’s democratic journey. It was triggered by a massive political scandal involving then-President Park Geun-hye who was found out to have allowed her close confidante, Choi Soon-sil, to secretly influence state affairs without any official position as well as access classified documents. These peaceful protests drew millions of citizens to the streets, ultimately leading to the impeachment and removal of a sitting president — a historic moment for South Korean democracy then.

Chile - Subway fare protests in 2019

In October 2019, what began as a protest over a small subway fare increase in Santiago, Chile's capital, quickly escalated into one of the largest and most significant social uprisings in Chile’s modern history. The events became known as the "Estallido Social" (Social Outburst), and they went far beyond public transportation issues, highlighting deep-rooted economic inequality, social injustice, and dissatisfaction with the political system.

India’s - Farm bill protests in 2020

In 2020, India witnessed a massive, sustained protest by farmers, primarily from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, against three newly passed agricultural laws. These laws, aimed at liberalising the agricultural sector, sparked fears of corporate exploitation and a dismantling of existing support systems for farmers. The protests quickly grew into a nationwide movement, drawing global attention and support.

Germany - Anti-semitism protests (2024–2025)

The most recent of all ground-shaking protests is the anti-semitism protests between 2024 and 2025. Thousands of people marched in Berlin to protest against increasing anti-Semitic rhetoric and violence. The protest was organised by civil society groups, religious organizations, and political parties. Slogans like "Never Again is Now" and "No Place for Hate" echoed through the capital. And just like that, similar protests were held in Hamburg, Frankfurt, Munich, Cologne, and Leipzig, showing the nationwide response