Morocco is gearing up to host the 2030 World Cup with ambitious plans, including the construction of the world’s largest football stadium, a project reportedly costing $5 billion. However, this grand vision has ignited widespread discontent among the nation’s youth. A growing movement, coordinated by a group calling itself ‘Gen Z 212’ (referencing Morocco’s country code), has taken to the streets nightly since late September. Their message is clear: ‘No World Cup, health comes first’ and ‘We want hospitals, not football stadiums’.
The protests, inspired by similar youth movements in Nepal, are fueled by a deep dissatisfaction with the government’s allocation of resources. Demonstrators cite critical issues such as inadequate public healthcare, a struggling education system, unaffordable housing, and rising prices as far more pressing concerns than sporting infrastructure. The recent deaths of eight women in a maternity ward in Agadir, reportedly due to a lack of adequate care, have become a significant catalyst for this widespread anger.
Official statistics paint a stark picture: Morocco has only 7.8 doctors per 10,000 citizens, falling significantly short of the WHO’s recommendation of 23 per 10,000. This healthcare crisis, coupled with perceived shortcomings in the education sector, has galvanized a generation seeking fundamental changes.
The movement, largely decentralized and operating through social media platforms like Discord, TikTok, and Instagram, emphasizes its non-political nature, aiming for direct action and dialogue. Despite the government’s initial offer of dialogue, protesters remain skeptical, demanding tangible reforms. The protests have seen significant police action, including mass arrests, with reports of injuries on both sides and some violent clashes.
Young Moroccans are not only demanding better social services but also a more equitable distribution of national wealth and greater transparency. They express a desire for a future where national pride is built on solid foundations of public welfare, not just on the grandeur of international sporting events. While acknowledging the excitement surrounding the World Cup, their core message is that basic human needs must take precedence.