In Morocco, anti-government protests led by young people erupted simultaneously over the past two days in 11 cities nationwide. The protests, the largest in years, saw participants denounce corruption and criticize the government for neglecting health care and education while concentrating budgets only on international sporting events. Chanting "There are stadiums, but where are the hospitals?", demonstrators criticized the increased expenditure during the bid processes for co-hosting the 2030 World Cup and hosting the Africa Cup of Nations, as well as the poor state of public services.
On the 28th (local time), according to the Associated Press and others, police dispersed demonstrators in major cities including Rabat and Marrakesh and arrested dozens in several areas, including Casablanca. The Moroccan Association for Human Rights claimed some participants were physically assaulted and criticized the arrests as acts that suppress freedom of expression. Local media reported that anger is focused on the health sector, with protests taking place outside hospitals.
Unlike past large rallies led by political parties or labor unions, these protests are notable as a "leaderless movement" organized by Generation Z through social media (SNS). Messages shared on TikTok and Discord spurred nationwide participation, and groups such as "Gen Z 212" and "Voice of Moroccan Youth" emphasized peaceful protests, though some supporters pushed more aggressive slogans. Youssef, a 27-year-old engineer who joined the Casablanca protest, said, "There is no hope. Beyond health care and education, reform is needed across the entire system," adding, "We want better jobs and better lives."
Behind the protests lies the harsh reality of health care. With the aftermath of a deadly earthquake last year still lingering, the deaths of eight mothers during childbirth at Agadir Public Hospital recently sparked national outrage. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Morocco has 7.7 medical professionals per 10,000 people, far short of the recommended 25. Some regions have only 4.4 per 10,000, leaving access to medical services extremely limited.
Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch explained that the government is pushing to build hospitals and expand expenditure, saying, "The Agadir hospital has had problems since the 1960s, and we are working to resolve them." However, immediately after the protests, the Minister of Health dismissed the director of the Agadir hospital and relevant health officials in the region, holding them accountable.
These protests are assessed as more than an expression of simple grievances, embodying Generation Z's anger over a lack of political opportunity, nepotism, and economic inequality. This is the first time the cohort born since 1995, the largest share of the population, has engaged in collective action, raising the possibility that it could spread into a long-term social movement.
Local experts said, "The government's explanation is insufficient to quell public discontent," adding, "The voices of the young may trigger political and social change going forward."