Morocco’s Zen-Zidane urges focus on hospitals rather than football stadiums

Since the last week of September, protests have erupted across Morocco. The youth movement “Gen-Z 212” is coordinating its efforts through social media platforms including Discord, TikTok, and Instagram.

Their main demands include:

1. Quality education for all

2. Accessible healthcare for everyone

3. Affordable and adequate housing

4. Improved public transportation

5. Price control on essential goods

6. Increased wages and pensions

7. Employment opportunities for youth

8. Adoption of English as a second language instead of French

Protesters say the movement gained momentum after an incident in mid-September, when eight women died in the maternity ward of a hospital in Agadir, highlighting the lack of healthcare services and adequate equipment.

In 2023, Morocco had only 7.8 doctors per 10,000 people, far below the World Health Organization’s recommended 23.

Protesters state, “We are making reasonable and fundamental demands. Health and education must be prioritized.” However, the police have reportedly arrested around 400 people, and clashes have left at least three dead.

Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch said he is open to dialogue, but the movement, being leaderless, continues until government commitments are fulfilled.

Members of Gen-Z 212 emphasize that they are not affiliated with any political party and have no formal leadership. “We are peacefully and democratically expressing our demands, but the government is ignoring us,” said movement coordinator Hajar Belhassan.

He further explained, “We are not a political movement. We have no leaders.”

The youth add, “We are excited about hosting the World Cup, but our people’s basic health and education systems need to be properly established first.”

Arab Spring and Morocco

The 2011 events were part of the Arab Spring and led to constitutional reforms. At that time, King Mohammed VI initiated amendments via a national referendum, transferring executive powers to the Prime Minister and Parliament for the first time in Morocco’s history.

What makes the ongoing Gen-Z 212 movement unique is that it is unaffiliated with any political party and lacks formal structure.

However, there are concerns about violence. On October 1, three protesters were killed in Lqelya when some attempted to seize a police station. Authorities said security forces fired because protesters tried to set fires and steal weapons. They later released CCTV footage disputing claims of excessive force.

Protesters have condemned riots and looting in certain areas and have organized clean-up teams. They continue to call for peace and dialogue, though they remain unsatisfied with the government’s promises.

Looking toward 2030, Hajar Belhassan stated:
“Of course, the people of Morocco are excited to host the World Cup. We love football it’s in our blood. But we lack basic infrastructure. Yes, build the stadiums, but also improve our education and healthcare systems. Take care of our people.”