Morocco’s King Pledges Social Reforms Amid Ongoing Youth-Led Protests

Morocco’s King Pledges Social Reforms Amid Ongoing Youth-Led Protests
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Morocco’s King Mohammed VI on Friday pledged to prioritize improving public education, healthcare, and youth employment in his annual address to parliament but avoided directly mentioning the nationwide protests that have shaken the country since late September, Arab News reported.

The protests, led by the online youth collective GenZ 212, erupted following reports of eight pregnant women dying in a public hospital in Agadir — an incident widely seen as exposing deep flaws in Morocco’s public health system. Demonstrators have demanded Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch’s resignation, stronger anti-corruption measures, and sweeping reforms in healthcare and education.

In his speech, King Mohammed insisted that major infrastructure projects, such as preparations for the 2030 World Cup, should not come “at the expense of social programs,” stressing the need for “social and territorial justice.”

Authorities have urged dialogue with the protesters, saying their message has been heard. The demonstrations, largely peaceful, have occasionally turned violent, leaving three dead and dozens arrested.