Morocco’s Gen Z Protesters Speak Out on Social Inequality and Government Accountability
Morocco’s Gen Z protesters share what drives them — a growing wave of young demonstrators from diverse backgrounds who say frustration over inequality, failing healthcare, and poor education access has pushed them to the streets.
Youth-Led Movement Demands Change
Organised through the GenZ 212 collective, protesters have rallied almost every night since last month, shaking Morocco’s reputation for stability. Their demands centre on better healthcare, education reform, and government accountability.
The collective, which coordinates anonymously through the Discord platform, describes itself as leaderless and democratic—members debate and vote on every decision to prevent state co-option or intimidation.
The group has planned a major rally for Thursday, just before King Mohammed VI’s anticipated annual address.
Personal Stories of Struggle
“We went into debt,” he said. “My aunt’s death and the deaths of pregnant women in Agadir made me take to the streets.”
Fatima, 23, from near Taroudant, said her area lacks a hospital or pharmacy, calling access to healthcare and education “a right, not a privilege.” She criticised government priorities, citing rapid stadium construction for the 2030 World Cup while earthquake victims in Al Haouz still await aid.
“Stadiums are built quickly, but people still live in ruins,” she said.
‘The System Exploits People’
Mohammed, a 30-year-old cook, said neglect at public hospitals worsened his eye condition.
“My mother sold her jewellery, but it still wasn’t enough for treatment,” he said, accusing the government of “failing the people after four years in power.”
Abderrahmane, 28, dropped out of school because of poverty and has since worked odd jobs without contracts.
“Some bosses took advantage of my situation,” he said. “It’s a system that exploits people.”
Collective Without Leaders
Law graduate Younes, 27, said the group avoids hierarchy to resist infiltration.
“We discuss, we vote, and the majority decides,” he said. “That’s how we stay united and safe.”
He added that officials must be held accountable for corruption and forced to return stolen public funds.
“That’s the only way to end impunity,” he said.
Many are now waiting to hear whether King Mohammed VI will address their grievances in his Friday speech — or, as Younes put it, “act as if nothing happened.”
