Morocco is currently gripped by widespread anti-government protests, making King Mohammed VI’s upcoming parliamentary address on Friday, October 10, 2025, an event of unprecedented significance. The nation eagerly awaits his words, particularly as public discontent mounts over the government’s financial priorities.
Though the King holds the ultimate authority in Morocco, he typically maintains a low public profile, with ministers or royal family members often representing the nation on the international stage. Once celebrated as the ‘King of the Poor’ decades ago, he now confronts a populace increasingly disillusioned by slow societal progress and the widening chasm of economic inequality.
Since September 27, 2025, a wave of demonstrations has swept through over a dozen Moroccan cities. Protesters are vociferously condemning the substantial billions allocated to prepare for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, arguing these funds could be better utilized elsewhere.
This burgeoning movement, dubbed ‘Gen Z 212’ after Morocco’s international dialing code, is fueled by profound anger over severely underfunded schools and hospitals. These young activists are drawing a stark connection between lavish spending on new stadiums for the World Cup and the neglect of essential public services. Mobilizing effectively through platforms like TikTok and Discord, much like youth movements observed in Nepal, they’ve ignited a nationwide wave of protests, the likes of which haven’t been seen since the Arab Spring in 2011. A common chant echoes through the streets: ‘The people want the King to intervene!’
Observers anticipate that King Mohammed VI’s speech will echo previous themes, particularly those he’s addressed during periods of national unrest and in an earlier declaration this year, where he emphatically stated his refusal to accept a ‘two-speed country’ plagued by deep inequalities.
In a July 2025 speech from Tetouan, his summer residence, the King previously articulated his vision: ‘Regardless of the infrastructure built, and the level of economic development achieved, I would be satisfied only if our accomplishments contribute, in a tangible manner, to improving the living conditions of citizens from all social classes, and in all areas and regions.’
This anticipated address follows by over a week a direct letter of demands sent by protesters to the royal palace. This bold move has pushed the King firmly into the public eye, challenging his usual detachment from political discourse. The letter urgently called for the removal of Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch and his entire government, the liberation of political prisoners, and the establishment of a transparent platform to hold corrupt politicians accountable.
In their heartfelt plea, the ‘Gen Z 212’ group implored: ‘We, the youth of Morocco, are requesting your majesty to intervene for a profound and just reform that restores rights and punishes the corrupt.’
The letter itself highlights a dual sentiment: a clear belief in the 62-year-old King’s capacity to resolve national issues, alongside the persistent reality that direct criticism of the monarch remains both illegal and culturally taboo. By directly petitioning him, the protesters displayed respect while simultaneously breaking with the long-standing tradition of insulating the King from day-to-day politics. This unprecedented step now raises crucial questions about accountability should their demands not be met.
As Abdeslam Maghraoui, a political scientist at Duke University, observed, ‘People are saying ‘Long live the King,’ but also showing they know he’s responsible and power lies in his hands.’
During Thursday evening’s ‘Gen Z 212’ protests, many participants expressed eager anticipation for Mohammed VI’s speech, holding onto hope that he would address their demands and alleviate the palpable anger directed at government officials, particularly Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, whose resignation they have repeatedly called for.
Speaking from a protest in Casablanca, Soufiane, an 18-year-old college student, voiced a collective sentiment: ‘We hope that it will mark a good omen for us, the Moroccan youth, and for all the Moroccans.’