Morocco’s government has unveiled a sweeping set of reforms aimed at overhauling healthcare, education, and political participation for young people, following a wave of Gen Z–driven protests that have shaken the country’s normally placid political landscape. The announcement, made on Sunday, October 19, 2025, comes after weeks of demonstrations sparked by public outrage over inequality, corruption, and government spending priorities.
According to MAP, Morocco’s state news agency, the government revealed that the 2026 draft finance bill will allocate nearly 140 billion dirhams ($15 billion) to health and education—a 16 percent increase compared to last year’s budget. This sum is expected to represent around 10 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP), a clear signal that authorities are listening to the concerns raised by the country’s youth. The decision was announced after a cabinet meeting chaired by King Mohammed VI, underscoring the seriousness with which the government is approaching the matter.
The protests, which began in late September, were triggered by the tragic deaths of eight pregnant women at a hospital in Agadir. That incident became a lightning rod for a broader movement, led by the online-based group “GenZ 212.” The group’s demands quickly grew to include calls for government change, an end to corruption, and a reordering of national priorities away from high-profile international sports events and toward basic social services. As reported by The National and MAP, demonstrators accused authorities of neglecting sectors like health and education in favor of preparing for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, chanting slogans such as, “Stadiums exist, but where are the hospitals?”
These protests caught the government off guard. The kingdom, known for its relative stability compared to other countries in North Africa, has seen few mass movements of this scale in recent years. The government’s response marks the first concrete set of reforms since the demonstrations erupted, and officials appear eager to show they are taking the grievances seriously. As Inbox News put it, the pledges represent “major improvements to healthcare, education, and youth participation in politics.”
Among the most notable reforms is a suite of draft laws designed to encourage greater youth engagement in politics. The government plans to ease eligibility rules for young candidates running in elections, and will provide financial incentives covering up to 75 percent of campaign expenses for those under 35. Another bill seeks to enhance the roles of political parties, improve their transparency, and encourage more women and young people to join or even found new parties. As MAP reported, the measures are intended to “further citizen engagement in public life,” with a special focus on the under-35 age group.
These proposed changes come at a time when Morocco’s economy is showing signs of strength. The royal palace stated that the country’s GDP is expected to grow by 4.8 percent in 2025, up from 3.8 percent last year, thanks in large part to robust domestic demand and strong performance in non-agricultural sectors. Yet, despite these positive economic indicators, deep regional disparities and a pronounced gap between public and private sectors persist. The government has acknowledged these challenges, with the new budget including increased funding to reduce regional inequalities.
The finance bill, which will be presented to parliament by Finance Minister Nadia Fettah in the coming days, also prioritizes social spending for the coming year. Nearly $13 million is earmarked specifically for health and education, and the government has pledged to create more than 27,000 jobs in these sectors. This focus on social services is a direct response to the demands voiced by Gen Z protesters, who have called for the guarantee of the right to education and healthcare for all citizens.
Official figures reveal that poverty in Morocco has declined significantly over the past decade, falling from nearly 12 percent of the population in 2014 to 6.8 percent in 2024. However, a lack of education remains a key driver of poverty, and social inequalities remain a stubborn obstacle. The government’s newly announced measures aim to tackle these issues head-on, with the hope that increased investment in education and healthcare will help bridge the gap.
In addition to boosting social spending and encouraging youth participation, the cabinet has approved measures to fight corruption—another central theme of the recent protests. One proposed law would ban convicted criminals from standing for office, a move aimed at increasing trust in political institutions and improving transparency. These reforms are designed not only to address the immediate concerns of the protesters but also to lay the groundwork for a more inclusive and accountable political system.
The Gen Z 212 movement, which has been at the forefront of the protests, has made it clear that the youth of Morocco are no longer content to remain on the sidelines of political life. Their activism has forced the government to reckon with issues that have simmered beneath the surface for years. As one protester told MAP, “We want real change, not just promises.” The government’s recent actions suggest that officials have heard this message loud and clear—though whether these reforms will be enough to satisfy the movement remains to be seen.
It is worth noting that the government’s response has not been limited to policy proposals. According to MAP, the authorities have also sought to engage directly with young people, inviting them to participate in the political process and encouraging them to take on leadership roles. This approach reflects a recognition that Morocco’s future depends on the active involvement of its younger generations.
While the government’s pledges have been welcomed by some, skepticism remains among segments of the population. Many are waiting to see whether the promised reforms will be fully implemented and whether they will lead to tangible improvements in daily life. The coming months will be critical, as parliament debates the draft budget and new laws, and as the government works to turn its promises into reality.
For now, Morocco stands at a crossroads. The events of the past month have highlighted both the country’s challenges and its potential. With a growing economy, a youthful population eager for change, and a government that appears willing to listen, the stage is set for a new chapter in Moroccan public life—one that could redefine the relationship between citizens and the state for years to come.