Khaberni - Protests by the "Generation Z" youth in Morocco, demanding improvements in the health and education sectors, have prompted the Moroccan government, represented by its spokesperson Mustafa Baytas, to emphasize its full openness to dialogue with youth and to reconsider government priorities during a press conference following the government council meeting on Thursday.
Baytas stated that the government "responded from the first moment to these youth expressions, showing understanding for the demands and full attentiveness to them," indicating that "dialogue requires two parties: the government on one hand, and the youth on the other." He emphasized that "the health system has inherited chronic illnesses for decades, requiring more investment and broader efforts that are currently insufficient."
In this context, Younes Sekkouri, Minister of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment, and Skills, explained that the government had set important programs but was unable to implement all of them at once. He stressed that the current phase "requires structured and transparent dialogue to avoid the government providing responses far from practical reality." He added that the government is prepared to re-evaluate priorities provided that the demands are "presented within a framework of transparency and credibility, free from acts of sabotage or compromising public security."
For his part, Abd El Jabbar Rashidi, the Secretary of State for Social Inclusion, stated in the press conference following the Moroccan government meeting, that "the government's hand is extended to move the discussion from the virtual world and the streets to the institutions, the government, and the decision-makers." He announced that reforming health and education is "a priority beyond dispute," and that the government is making significant efforts to reform the health system, realizing the need to accelerate implementation. Rashidi noted that "the government does not just listen to the youth, but also works on setting priorities within a clear agenda, with the participation of parliament and political parties that have expressed their readiness to embrace public discussion."
Morocco witnessed protests on Wednesday evening led by "Generation Z" youth demanding improvements in the health and education sectors. These protests resulted in 3 deaths and 354 injuries, following an attempt by protesters to storm a Royal Gendarmerie center in the town of Laqliâa near Agadir in southern Morocco, according to what was announced by the Moroccan government.
The "Generation Z" youth movement in Morocco has called for protests and demonstrations in several cities for a week via the "Discord" application. The demonstrations in Moroccan cities saw interventions by public forces and violent confrontations with stones between the protesters and security elements over the last three days.
