Observers note that the rise of “Gen Z” reflects a shift in mobilization patterns in Morocco, combining digital activism with peaceful protests amid growing feelings of social exclusion and unaddressed demands of a large youth segment.

Moroccan cities witnessed youth protests against “wrong government priorities,” criticizing the pouring of funds into international sports events and stadium construction while neglecting sectors like health and education.

In one of the largest anti-government protests in Morocco in years, young people from the “Gen Z 212” movement took to the streets in Casablanca on Sunday, clashing with police and blocking a highway.

Hundreds of Moroccan youths also marched in at least 11 cities across the country, denouncing what they called “corruption” and criticizing the government for investing in international sports events while ignoring health and education.

Protesters directly linked the country’s struggling healthcare system to ongoing investments in preparation for the “2030 FIFA World Cup,” chanting slogans such as: “Stadiums exist, but where are the hospitals?”

Notably, Morocco is building at least 3 new stadiums and renovating or expanding at least 6 others in preparation for co-hosting the event. It will also host the Africa Cup of Nations later this year.

Protesters chanted slogans demanding social justice and the right to education and health, notably: “The people want… health and education.” Clashes with police often erupted as authorities tried to prevent the marches from continuing.

The participants focused on the slogan: “Health first… we don’t want the World Cup,” according to their expression.

The protest saw participation from several human rights and political figures, including MP Nabila Mounib from the “Unified Socialist Party,” who called for “immediate response to youth demands.”

However, the official page of the youth movement criticized Mounib’s presence, rejecting what they described as “riding the wave of protests.” They wrote: “Surfing is a sport in the sea, not in protests demanding rights. We GenZ212 have not joined any political party, nor would we allow any party candidate to appear in our demonstrations as supporters.”

Meanwhile, the leadership of the “Democratic Left Federation” party announced suspending its participation in consultations related to the upcoming legislative elections with the Ministry of Interior, following the ban on protests in several Moroccan cities.

The party’s political bureau issued a statement suspending its participation in all consultations “until a sound political climate is provided that guarantees respect for freedoms and human rights.”

Who Are the “Gen Z” Youth?

In recent weeks in Morocco, a new generation of protesting youth has emerged, called “Gen Z,” born between the late 1990s and early 2000s, known for their close connection to digital worlds and social media.

This generation has not limited itself to expressing opinions online but has taken to the streets to lead demonstrations in major cities like Tangier, Rabat, and Casablanca, raising slogans calling for comprehensive reforms in health and education sectors, fighting corruption, and ensuring social justice.

Observers confirm that the rise of “Gen Z” reflects a transformation in mobilization patterns in Morocco, combining digital activity and peaceful protest amid increasing feelings of social exclusion and lack of response to the demands of a broad youth segment.

Source: Agencies