‘Gen Z’ Anti-Government Protests Rage Across Morocco for Fourth Day
Anti-government protests have swept across Morocco for a fourth consecutive night, with young demonstrators pouring into the streets and clashes erupting in several cities. The unrest, some of the largest Morocco has seen in years, has been fueled by frustration over poor social services despite billions being spent on preparations for the 2030 World Cup. The youth-led movement, organized under the banner “Gen Z212,” began online through platforms like TikTok and Discord before spilling onto the streets. Protesters say their demands for better schools, hospitals, and job opportunities are being ignored while massive investments are funneled into stadiums and sports infrastructure. Their slogan — “Stadiums are here, but where are the hospitals?” — has become a rallying cry, especially after eight women died recently at a public hospital in Agadir. Tensions escalated Tuesday when police and demonstrators clashed in cities with limited economic opportunities, particularly in the east and south. In Inzegane and Ait Amira, vehicles were set on fire, while in Oujda, the largest city in eastern Morocco, a protester was injured after a police vehicle rammed into the crowd. The Moroccan interior ministry said the protests were unauthorized and would be met “rigorously and firmly.” Officials reported 409 arrests nationwide, including minors, while more than 260 officers and 23 civilians were injured, and nearly 160 vehicles damaged. Human rights groups, including the Moroccan Association for Human Rights, have condemned the heavy-handed response and confirmed dozens of arrests, some caught on video. Amnesty International urged authorities to listen to the protesters’ “legitimate demands” rather than relying on repression. Despite the crackdowns, the movement has only grown in visibility, gaining support from public figures such as national football star Yassine Bounou and rapper ElGrandeToto. While officials insist health sector problems stem from past governments, public anger remains high. Morocco’s parliament is expected to hold a special session this week, led by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, to address healthcare reform and broader demands from the protests — though whether this will satisfy the movement’s young base remains uncertain
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