Rabat: Morocco is witnessing one of its most significant youth-driven movements in recent years, as members of Generation Z continue to demand economic and social reforms. The demonstrations, which began in late September, have spread across the country, highlighting the growing frustration among young people over unemployment, poor public services, and what they see as government neglect of ordinary citizens’ needs.

The protests erupted after several women died during childbirth in a public hospital in Agadir, an incident that became a symbol of the broader failure of Morocco’s public health system. What began as localized anger quickly turned into a national wave of protests under the banner “Gen Z 212,” referring to Morocco’s international calling code. The movement, largely organized online, calls for better healthcare, improved education, and fairer job opportunities.

In response, the Moroccan government has tried to balance conciliation with control. In early October, authorities announced plans to allocate about 140 billion dirhams (approximately 15 billion US dollars) to improve education and healthcare services. The government also promised to create 27,000 new jobs in these sectors and introduced a bill to help people under 35 run for public office by covering most of their campaign expenses.

At the same time, authorities have tightened security. More than 1,500 protesters have been prosecuted since the unrest began, with dozens receiving lengthy prison sentences for alleged vandalism and rioting. Rights groups have criticized the heavy-handed response, warning that it could deepen resentment among the youth.

The government’s use of mosque sermons has also drawn attention. In recent weeks, preachers were instructed to encourage young people to take part in civic life and public affairs. However, many observers say the move is an attempt to use religion to ease public anger rather than address the real causes of discontent.

King Mohammed VI recently addressed the nation, urging greater efforts to reduce social inequalities but stopped short of directly mentioning the protests. His remarks came amid declining turnout at demonstrations, as some gatherings saw only a few dozen participants after weeks of widespread mobilization.

Analysts say the protests expose deeper cracks in Morocco’s economic model. Despite years of investment and growth, many young people remain excluded from opportunity, with youth unemployment particularly high. Their slogan, “We want hospitals, not stadiums,” reflects growing anger at the government’s focus on infrastructure projects especially for the 2030 World Cup while essential public services remain underfunded.

The Gen Z movement remains decentralized and largely leaderless, making it harder for the government to engage in formal dialogue. Yet the protesters’ message has resonated widely, uniting students, unemployed graduates, and low-income families around a shared demand for dignity and fairness.

For now, Morocco stands at a crossroads. The government’s pledges of reform could ease tensions if implemented effectively, but continued arrests and unmet promises risk reigniting the anger of a generation no longer willing to stay silent.