Youth-Led Protests Sweep Morocco Over Healthcare and Education Funding

Over the weekend, the country witnessed one of the largest waves of protests in years, led by young people. Demonstrations took place in more than eleven cities across Morocco, where young Moroccans spoke out against how government funds are allocated and which priorities the government prioritizes.

The demonstrations began with demands that the authorities focus on health care and education: participants accuse the government of spending funds on international sporting events instead of addressing the everyday needs of the population. In their view, the health care system is underfunded, and regional disparities in access to medical services are increasing.

Participants directly linked the decline of medicine to preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. There were also calls for greater transparency in government spending and real reforms affecting education, health care, and employment.

Stadiums are here, but where are the hospitals?

The country continues to prepare to co-host tournaments and the Africa Cup of Nations. According to the government, construction of at least three new stadiums is already planned, along with modernization and expansion of at least half a dozen existing venues, which has become part of the roadmap for hosting world tournaments in the coming years.

Law enforcement deployed plainclothes police forces and with the use of specialized equipment to disperse several protests in different cities, including Rabat and Marrakech. Reports from Casablanca documented arrests of protesters and incidents of the use of force.

Experts note that the protests focus on regional disparities and government priorities that have persisted for more than a decade. This nationwide gathering reflects growing public anger that previously surfaced in isolated incidents across the country, including Agadir after the 2023 earthquake. The escalation is also linked to the tragic events in Agadir, where six years ago people died during childbirth at a public hospital.

A human rights organization said that dozens of people were arrested on Saturday, some beaten. Some participants were released overnight, according to the statement.

Unlike previous protests, which were often led by unions or political parties, the movement this weekend did not have a single leader. Mass activism spread through TikTok and Discord, popular among young people and gamers, and reflected a broad youth audience.

Two groups, “Gen Z 212” and “Morocco Youth Voices,” called for “peaceful and civil protests” and responsible discussion, even as many supporters voiced more radical demands.

“There is no hope,” said Youssef, a 27-year-old engineer who planned to protest in Casablanca. “I want not only reforms in health care and education, but a full systemic reform as well.”

There is no hope.

“I want better salaries, better jobs, lower prices, and a better life,” he added, choosing not to reveal his full name out of fear of arrest for participating in an unauthorized protest.

According to the World Health Organization data for 2023, Morocco has only 7.7 health workers per 10,000 people. In some regions, including Agadir, their density is only 4.4 per 10,000. The WHO recommends about 25 per 10,000.