Khaberni - The "Gen Z 212" movement that leads the protests in Morocco announced the suspension of demonstrations across the kingdom until Thursday, while Moroccan Secretary of State for Social Integration, Abdeljabbar Rashidi, considered that youth calls for the government's resignation reflect a "wider global phenomenon" related to declining trust in elected institutions and the rise of new forms of expression in digital spaces.
Rashidi stated that the Moroccan government "came through free elections and has won the trust of the citizens," urging young people to "engage in political and civil work rather than just expressing themselves on social media," affirming that "Moroccan youth have always been a driving force towards reform at all stages."
Regarding the social demands protesters in the Moroccan kingdom are calling for during the protests, the Moroccan official clarified that the government has begun implementing immediate reforms, particularly in the healthcare sector, by launching projects for 24 new hospitals and upgrading 950 health centers, besides a plan to improve healthcare services locally and to address existing disparities.
The Moroccan government announces its response to the protest demands: Ready for dialogue
The Moroccan government announced on Thursday "its responsiveness to social demands," following the youth protests that have been witnessed in Moroccan streets for the past 5 days.
Rashidi affirmed that these measures come "in direct response to the legitimate demands" of the youth, noting that "the government closely follows all social issues, working to accelerate the pace of achievements so that the impact of reforms reflects on the daily life of citizens."
Temporary suspension of protests
The "Gen Z" movement, leading the protests in Morocco, announced on Tuesday the temporary halt of protests until next Thursday, "after the majority of the participants in the demonstrations agreed and reviewed the current situation accurately, aiming to reorganize and plan for greater effectiveness on Thursday, ahead of the parliamentary meeting scheduled on Friday coinciding with the king's speech."
The movement, in its announcement, stated that "this pause is not a step backward from the demands; rather, it is a strategic step to enhance the strength of our collective voice and ensure its clear and impactful reach."
The announcement called everyone to "get ready and participate widely, on Thursday, in stands across the cities of the kingdom, to call for the government's dismissal and accountability, and to enhance the health and education sectors, and the release of detainees."
"Urgent dialogue"
The Moroccan government has expressed its readiness for "urgent dialogue" with representatives of the youth leading the protests of the "Gen Z 212" movement in Morocco for more than ten days.
The official spokesman for the Moroccan government, Mustafa Baitas, stated that the government "has extended its hand and is waiting to sit with them at the negotiation table to listen to their ideas, and identify the social reforms that need to be activated quickly," considering that it "interacted quickly and positively with social demands."
Morocco protests.. "Gen Z" insists on its demands and the government shows readiness for "urgent dialogue"
The Moroccan government has shown its readiness for "urgent dialogue" with representatives of the youth leading the protests of the "Gen Z 212" movement.
Despite calls for peaceful demonstrations, some Moroccan cities witnessed violent acts and clashes between protesters and security forces, including Oujda, Kenitra, and Inezgane, while Cala near Agadir saw a shooting incident during an attempt by several individuals to storm a Royal Gendarmerie center, resulting in the deaths of 3 people.
Since the launch of the protest calls by "Gen Z 212" on social media on September 27 and 28, demonstrations continued for several days in major Moroccan cities, demanding the fight against corruption and prioritizing health and education sectors in the kingdom, over investments in sports infrastructure in preparation for the Africa Cup of 2026, and the 2030 World Cup in partnership with Spain and Portugal.
Spark of protests
The spark of the protests began in the city of Agadir, when 8 pregnant women died within less than a month while receiving healthcare in a government hospital, leading to extended protests in several Moroccan cities, demanding improved health and education services and fighting corruption.
Some protests witnessed acts of violence in several areas. However, the "Gen Z" movement disassociated itself from these events and condemned them.
The spokesperson for the Moroccan Ministry of Interior, Rashid Al-Khalfi, stated that 70% of the participants in acts of vandalism and clashes with security forces across Morocco were minors.
The "Gen Z" movement leading the protests in Morocco used social media platforms such as "TikTok," "Instagram," and "Discord" to denounce acts of violence and called for continuing peaceful protests in major cities.
The movement said in a statement on "Discord": "To all the youth out protesting: we ask you to adhere to the three clear principles, no foul language and no insults. No rioting and no vandalism of public and private property. Do not retreat from peacefulness, and maintain your dignity and the dignity of the movement."
