Across Morocco, a groundswell of youth-led activism has surged into the streets in recent weeks, culminating in a dramatic wave of nationwide protests on October 9, 2025. The movement, spearheaded by the Gen Z 212 collective, has demanded sweeping reforms, government accountability, and urgent action from King Mohammed VI, as the nation’s frustrations over corruption and deteriorating public services reach a boiling point. The timing is no accident: the demonstrations were carefully orchestrated to precede the king’s much-anticipated annual address to parliament on October 10, a speech many hope will chart a new course for the country.
In Casablanca, the energy was palpable as hundreds gathered, some holding banners emblazoned with calls for Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch’s resignation. A striking image emerged: protesters hoisted posters depicting government ministers as devils, while others brandished signs reading “We won’t be silent anymore.” The anger was not just directed at individuals, but at what many see as a system mired in corruption and disconnected from the daily struggles of ordinary Moroccans.
The roots of this unrest stretch back to late September, when a tragedy at a state-run hospital in Agadir shocked the nation. Eight pregnant women died giving birth at the facility, igniting outrage over the state of Morocco’s healthcare system. The incident was soon followed by another death at the same hospital, this time after a Caesarean section, further inflaming public sentiment. According to The Diplomatic Insight, these events reignited debate over the quality of public services and became the catalyst for a protest movement that has rapidly gained momentum.
Gen Z 212, the leaderless collective organizing the protests, has leveraged the power of social media—particularly TikTok and Discord, where they now boast over 200,000 followers—to mobilize demonstrators across more than 20 cities. Videos circulating online showed crowds massing in locations from Rabat’s Parliament Square to Casablanca’s Marche Central, with similar scenes unfolding in Agadir, Tangier, Fez, and Laayoune. The movement’s demands are sweeping: the removal of what they call “the corrupt government,” prioritization of spending on health and education, and the release of political detainees.
“I am here, a day before the king’s speech, demanding better public services and to topple corruption,” said Koyo, a 22-year-old psychology student, in an interview with the Associated Press. Like many, he declined to give his full name—fear of retribution lingers in the air. Another protester, Soufiane, just 18, carried a “Wanted” poster featuring Health Minister Amine Tahraoui, underscoring the personal anger directed at officials. “We hope that it will mark a good omen for us, the Moroccan youth, and for all the Moroccans,” he said, expressing a hope shared by thousands who took to the streets.
What’s notable about the current wave of unrest is its broadening appeal. While Gen Z 212 is youth-led, the protests have drawn support from across generations. “I am not a Gen Z myself but I decided to come to the protest because for me all those demands are legitimate,” Ali, an entrepreneur from Casablanca, told the Associated Press. This cross-generational solidarity has given the movement a sense of national urgency, with many seeing it as a rare moment of unity in a country often divided by age, class, and geography.
The government’s response has been a mixture of conciliation and crackdown. Since the protests began on September 27, security forces have arrested hundreds of participants. Clashes in several cities have left three dead and others injured—a heavy-handed approach that has drawn criticism from rights groups. Local media reported that 66 individuals faced vandalism charges, particularly in northern Morocco, after incidents of looting and property damage. Gen Z 212 has been quick to denounce violence and vandalism, and in some cities, protesters even organized cleanups and offered flowers to security forces in a bid to keep the demonstrations peaceful and focused on their core demands.
Yet, the movement’s momentum has not been without challenges. After reports of unrest and property damage, Gen Z 212 saw some erosion of popular support. The group responded by pausing protests midweek, a strategic move designed to consolidate energy for a final, unified push ahead of the king’s address. “The pause does not represent a retreat from our demands; it is a strategic step to strengthen the power of our collective voice and ensure it is heard clearly and effectively,” the organizers explained in a public statement. They called on citizens to “prepare and participate widely in gatherings across cities on Thursday to demand the dismissal and accountability of the government, improvements in the health and education sectors, and the release of detainees.”
The backdrop to these protests is a country grappling with deep socioeconomic challenges. Official statistics show that youth unemployment is a staggering 35.8% among those aged 15 to 24, and the situation is even bleaker in regions far from Morocco’s urban centers—precisely where the protests have been most intense. Around a quarter of Gen Z Moroccans are not employed, in school, or in training, highlighting a generation at risk of being left behind. Despite the government’s pledges to mobilize resources and address gaps, frustration with the pace and scope of reforms remains high.
The protest movement has also zeroed in on government spending priorities. Billions have been allocated to renovate stadiums ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, a decision that has drawn the ire of those who see it as emblematic of misplaced priorities. Demonstrators have called for a boycott of businesses linked to Prime Minister Akhannouch, himself one of Morocco’s wealthiest businessmen, arguing that public money should be redirected toward vital social sectors instead of sports entertainment.
As the protests escalated, public figures stepped into the fray. On October 8, an open letter signed by 60 prominent Moroccan academics, artists, and human rights activists was sent to King Mohammed VI. “We are reaching out to you because you hold the highest authority and ultimate responsibility in this nation,” the letter read, urging the monarch to “act decisively and in depth.” The signatories expressed solidarity with the youth-led movement, warning, “The people of Morocco are suffering, and its youth are crying out in the streets.” According to The Diplomatic Insight, this appeal underscored the breadth of support for reform and the growing expectation that the king’s address could mark a turning point.
In response to the most recent hospital tragedy, the Health Ministry announced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the latest death, seeking to assuage public anger. Meanwhile, government spokesperson Mustapha Baitas reiterated on October 9 that officials were working quickly to mobilize resources and identify gaps in public services, signaling a willingness to address some of the protesters’ concerns—though many remain skeptical about the depth of promised changes.
As Morocco awaits King Mohammed VI’s address, the nation stands at a crossroads. The past weeks have revealed a society ready to speak out, a youth unwilling to accept the status quo, and a political establishment under unprecedented pressure to deliver meaningful reform. Whether the king’s speech will satisfy these demands—or merely stoke further unrest—remains the question on everyone’s mind.