Gen Z protests hit Morocco: Hundreds of youths on streets across cities, slam govt over corruption

Another youth-led protest has rocked Morocco, with demonstrators clashing with police over the weekend to denounce what they see as the government’s misplaced priorities.

Hundreds of young Moroccans marched in at least 11 cities, condemning corruption and criticising the government for spending heavily on international sporting events while neglecting health and education. Protesters linked the struggling health system to preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, shouting slogans such as, “Stadiums are here, but where are the hospitals?”

Focus on sporting events

Morocco is building at least three new stadiums and renovating several others ahead of co-hosting the World Cup, and will also host the Africa Cup of Nations later this year.

Police in plainclothes and riot gear disrupted rallies in cities including Rabat, Marrakech, and Casablanca, arresting demonstrators, an Associated Press reporter said.

Protests in Morocco have historically focused on regional inequalities and government priorities, but this weekend’s rallies reflected nationwide anger, fueled in part by outrage after eight women died giving birth in a public hospital in Agadir.

Leaderless, social media-driven movement

The Moroccan Association for Human Rights reported that dozens were arrested, some physically assaulted, calling the actions “a crackdown on free voices and restriction of the right to freedom of expression.”

Unlike past protests led by unions or political parties, these rallies were largely organized through social media platforms like TikTok and Discord, popular among teenagers and gamers. Groups such as “Gen Z 212” and “Morocco Youth Voices” called for “peaceful and civilized protests,” even as supporters voiced broader demands.

Calls for systemic reform

“There is no hope,” said Youssef, a 27-year-old engineer protesting in Casablanca. “I not only want health and education reforms, I want a whole system reform.”