Four reasons why Morocco's Gen Z are protesting
Morocco has been rocked by an unexpected wave of Gen Z-led protests, with thousands of young people rallying in cities across the country to denounce corruption, poor public services, and bleak job prospects.
The unrest, which began with anonymous calls on social media, has since escalated into some of the most intense demonstrations in years, prompting a firm response from security forces.
Here are the four key issues driving the movement.
1. Collapse of public healthcare
Protesters say Morocco’s public hospitals are underfunded, overcrowded, and broken. Some described being forced to buy their own bandages and medicines from street sellers because hospitals lacked supplies. Others accused medical staff of exploiting shortages. One demonstrator said, “We are just asking for healthcare, nothing more.”
"I'm a citizen, and all I'm asking for is healthcare and education. If someone goes to Mohammed V Hospital or any hospital, they're told to bring their own medicine. My brother had his leg amputated, and another man tells me to bring bandages and medicine - even though he has them - and wants me to buy them from him. I told him I need the ones he already has, and he told me to get them from the street,” another protestor told Viory.
2. Poor quality of education
Many protesters blame poor-quality schooling and limited access to good universities for leaving an entire generation unprepared for work. Several said degrees are worthless because qualified graduates cannot find jobs. Placards read, “Failed policies destroy the new generation.” A protestor said, “We want to go to school and actually find quality education. We want to say, 'thank God we're in our country.' We don't want to migrate."
3. Unemployment and lost futures
Youth unemployment remains stubbornly high, and many young Moroccans say they feel forced to consider migration. Protesters demanded a government “made up of the people,” accusing leaders of prioritising politics and wealth over real economic reform.
4. Corruption and inequality
Chants of “people want to bring down corruption” echoed through the streets. Demonstrators accuse officials of mismanaging public funds and enriching elites while ordinary citizens struggle to afford basic needs. The protests have become a rallying cry for freedom and dignity.
While most marches began peacefully, some gatherings turned violent. Morocco’s Interior Ministry reported 263 injured security officers, 23 civilian injuries, and damage to government buildings, banks, and vehicles. Authorities detained nearly 490 people, saying they acted to maintain public safety while protecting citizens’ rights.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
