Moroccan Youth Protest $5 Billion World Cup Spending, Demand Better Healthcare and Education
Morocco is in the midst of constructing what is set to become the world’s largest football stadium as the country prepares to co-host the 2030 World Cup. The ambitious 115,000-seat arena is part of a broader $5 billion investment in sporting infrastructure. But for many Moroccans, the project symbolizes a government that has misplaced its priorities.
Since last Saturday, young demonstrators have taken to the streets each evening, voicing frustration at what they see as a neglect of essential public services in favor of sports facilities.
“I am protesting because I want my country to be better. I don’t want to leave Morocco, and I don’t want to resent my country for choosing to stay,” says Hajar Belhassan, 25, a communications manager from Settat, 80 kilometers south of Casablanca.
The protests are largely organized by a group calling itself Gen Z 212, a reference to Morocco’s international dialing code. Demonstrators have coordinated via social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Discord, drawing inspiration from Nepal’s recent youth-led protests.
The movement, which began on September 27 with demonstrations in 10 cities, has grown steadily. Protesters have chanted slogans such as: “No World Cup, health comes first” and “We want hospitals, not football stadiums.” Police have responded with mass arrests, and in some instances, confrontations have turned violent, resulting in three fatalities.
Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch has expressed openness to dialogue, but the protestors, who operate without formal leadership, are demanding tangible change before considering any compromise.
Key Demands of the Protesters
The protesters have shared a list of demands on social media, including:
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Free, high-quality education for all
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Accessible public healthcare
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Decent and affordable housing
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Improved public transport
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Lower prices and subsidies for essential goods
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Better wages and pensions
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More job opportunities for youth
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Adoption of English as a second language, alongside Arabic
The movement was further fueled by the deaths of eight women in a maternity ward in Agadir in mid-September. Reports suggested the fatalities could have been prevented with better staffing, equipment, and care.
Currently, Morocco has only 7.8 doctors per 10,000 people—far below the World Health Organization’s recommended 23 per 10,000.
Personal Stories Highlight Public Frustration
Belhassan joined the protests after witnessing friends being detained. “We are making reasonable, basic demands. Health and education are necessities that should already be prioritised,” she tells the BBC. “It breaks my heart to see young, educated, and peaceful people faced with arbitrary arrests.”
During demonstrations, Belhassan noticed heightened police vigilance, with officers attempting to disperse crowds and make arrests. “I was afraid for my safety, but I still went out,” she adds.
The Moroccan Interior Ministry reported that 409 people had been detained by Wednesday, with 260 police officers and 20 protesters injured during the clashes. Authorities also noted that 40 police vehicles and 20 private cars were torched in violent incidents.
Hakim, 23, who was detained in Casablanca, shared his perspective: “This government has been abusing their power too much. My father had a stroke, and if we didn’t have savings for private care, he would have died. What am I gaining from a country that doesn’t provide healthcare or quality education?”
He described the public education system as “far behind” private institutions and called for dignity and equity. “We want to host the FIFA World Cup, but we want to do that with our heads held high, not while hiding behind a façade.”
Violence, Police Criticism, and Human Rights Concerns
While Gen Z 212 maintains a commitment to peaceful protest, some demonstrations have escalated. On October 1, three protesters died in Lqliaa after an attempt to storm a police station. Authorities released CCTV footage claiming that security forces acted in response to a threat of arson and weapons theft.
The group has consistently condemned violence, organized community clean-ups, and called for dialogue, but protesters remain skeptical of government promises. Human rights organizations, opposition parties, and citizens have criticized police tactics, highlighting concerns over excessive force and arbitrary arrests.
Historical Context
Youth-led protests are not new in Morocco. The country has experienced similar movements, notably in 1981, 2011, and 2016. The 1981 riots, dubbed the “Bread Martyrs,” were sparked by soaring food prices. The 2011 protests, part of the Arab Spring, led to a constitutional referendum strengthening the powers of the prime minister while maintaining the king as head of state, military, and religion.
Gen Z 212 differs from previous movements in that it operates without formal leadership or party affiliation. “We are not a political movement. We have no leader,” says Belhassan. “Maybe that’s why the police were arresting people, and why the government stayed silent—they didn’t see us following the traditional path of organizations and political parties.”
Looking Forward
Calls for government reform are gaining traction, with some demanding the king dissolve the current administration. Protesters remain determined, emphasizing the need to address structural issues before focusing on grand projects like World Cup stadiums.
Belhassan concludes: “Of course, Moroccans are excited to host the World Cup. Football is in our blood. But we are missing the foundations. Sure, let’s build stadiums, but let’s also build our education and health systems. Let’s take care of our people.