Hundreds of young Moroccans clashed with police over the weekend in the nation’s largest anti-government protests in more than a decade. Demonstrators filled streets in at least 11 cities, from Rabat to Marrakech, denouncing corruption and condemning billions spent on stadiums while hospitals crumble.
They shouted, “Stadiums are here, but where are the hospitals?” as Morocco readies to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup and the Africa Cup. Police in riot gear disrupted marches and detained dozens, including in Casablanca, according to witnesses and Morocco’s leading human rights association.
The unrest swelled after eight women died giving birth in an Agadir hospital, fuelling anger over shortages of doctors, equipment and basic medical services. Morocco has only 7.7 medical professionals per 10,000 people, far below the World Health Organization’s recommended 25, highlighting the depth of the crisis.
Protests have historically been guided by unions or parties, but this wave was leaderless, organized on TikTok and Discord under banners like “Gen Z 212.” Young protesters voiced despair, demanding not only health and education reforms but systemic change, better jobs, fair wages and relief from soaring prices.
“There is no hope,” said Youssef, a 27-year-old engineer in Casablanca, who insisted he feared arrest for simply joining the unauthorized rallies. Authorities denied prioritizing stadiums over hospitals, with Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch defending what he called “major accomplishments” and promising nationwide infrastructure upgrades.
After the protests, Health Minister Amine Tahraoui dismissed the Agadir hospital director and regional officials, promising accountability as outrage over negligence deepens. For Morocco’s restless youth, however, stadiums rising against collapsing hospitals remain a bitter symbol of misplaced priorities and a future deferred.