Widespread protests have broken out across Morocco as citizens express outrage over the government’s decision to prioritise the construction of the world’s largest football stadium ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which the country is set to co-host.
The demonstrations, led mainly by young people, accuse the government of neglecting essential public services such as healthcare and education while investing heavily in sports infrastructure.
“I am protesting because I want my country to be better. I don’t want to leave Morocco, and I don’t want to resent my country for choosing to stay,” said 25-year-old communications manager, Hajar Belhassan.
The youth-led movement, Gen Z 212, which organised the protests via Discord and TikTok, began nationwide demonstrations on September 27 in 10 cities under slogans such as “No World Cup, Health Comes First” and “We Want Hospitals, Not Football Stadiums.”
Their demands include access to free and quality education, affordable housing, improved healthcare, job creation, and the adoption of English as Morocco’s second official language.
Public anger intensified following the deaths of eight women in a poorly equipped maternity ward in Agadir last month, an incident that exposed deep-seated problems in the nation’s healthcare system.
So far, police have arrested more than 400 protesters, while three deaths have been reported following violent clashes in Lqliaa. “It breaks my heart to see young, educated, and peaceful people subjected to arbitrary arrests,” Ms. Belhassan said.
Another protester, Hakim 23, shared his frustration: “My father had a stroke… If we didn’t have savings for private care, he would have died. What am I gaining from a country that cannot provide healthcare or education?”
Authorities reported that the demonstrations have left 260 police officers and 20 protesters injured. Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch has expressed willingness to engage in dialogue, but organisers insist the protests will continue until tangible reforms are made.
While many Moroccans remain proud of their country’s role as a World Cup host, protesters argue that national pride should not come at the expense of basic social needs.
As Ms. Belhassan summed it up: “We love football, it’s part of who we are. But we’re missing the foundations. Yes, build the stadiums, but also build our schools and hospitals.”
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