Morocco’s youth-led protests enter eighth day across major cities

Demonstrations by young Moroccans calling themselves “Generation Z” entered their eighth day, with crowds in Rabat and Casablanca demanding reforms in healthcare, education, and anti-corruption efforts while urging the government to resign.

Hundreds of young protesters gathered outside Morocco’s Parliament in Rabat on Sunday, repeating calls for improved public services, job opportunities, and greater social justice. Demonstrators chanted slogans such as “Freedom, dignity, social justice” and “Enough corruption, you have shamed the country,” while some held banners urging Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch to step down.

Participants also drew attention to shortcomings in the healthcare system, holding placards reading “Neither right nor left, I just want a hospital.” Protesters said their movement rejects favouritism and unemployment, expressing solidarity with detained demonstrators. Moroccan flags, along with Palestinian flags and scarves, were visible throughout the rally.

Protests remained peaceful, and police maintained a distant presence without intervening.

In Casablanca, youth groups under the “Generation Z Movement” moved their protest to the city’s coastal district of Ain Diab, reiterating demands for social justice, employment, and education reform. Security forces monitored the demonstrations without interference.

In a statement, the youth movement said peaceful rallies were being held in at least 14 cities, including Tangier, Fez, Marrakesh, Agadir, and Meknes. The group also expressed concern for two injured protesters in Oujda, one of whom was transferred to Rabat for treatment after sustaining chest and shoulder fractures.

Former Prime Minister Saadeddine Othmani voiced support for the protesters’ demands, describing them as the shared concerns of all Moroccans. He said the demonstrations reflect the right to free expression and warned that poor communication between authorities and youth has deepened public frustration.

Authorities said 397 people were referred to the Agadir Court of Appeal following incidents in Souss province, accused of crimes including arson, disobedience, and unlawful assembly. In Kénitra province, 17 others, including minors, were detained and will remain in custody pending investigation.

Meanwhile, reports of a protest-related death in Marrakesh were denied by prosecutors, who said the individual died of natural causes unrelated to the demonstrations.

In Agadir, local students handed flowers to police officers in a gesture of gratitude for protecting public property, while left-wing parties including the Democratic Left Federation and the Unified Socialist Party announced plans to hold a meeting in Rabat to discuss the youth movement and broader human rights issues.

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