Anti-government protests always begin with the younger generations. Morocco is the latest nation to face a massive youth uprising with nearly a week of ongoing protests against reckless government spending. The government allocated $15.8 billion to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup or roughly 16% of GDP.
Unemployment is at 13%, with youth unemployment, per usual, notably higher than the national average. This is the seed of the anger that sprouted the uprising. Youth unemployment among those 15-24 is estimated to be 36.7%, while nearly half of young adults in urban areas cannot find employment. Unemployment among college graduates stands at around 19%. One-third, mostly women, are not in education, employment, or training (NEET). The youth are enraged at their current predicament and blame government corruption and mismanagement.
“Gen Z 212” is the name for these decentralized protests occurring throughout the nation. The youth demand reform, especially in healthcare services and education. “The right to health, education and a dignified life is not an empty slogan but a serious demand,” the organizers of the Gen Z 212 protest movement wrote in a statement published on Discord.
The government allocated $9.6 billion to upgrade the high-speed rail line that will feature new connections between major cities. An additional $1.3 billion was set aside to improve roads and highways in host cities. Hotels and lodging will see a $3.2 billion expansion for World Cup tourism. The stadium alone will cost $3 billion, with costs likely to rise. The youth believes this funding should be reallocated to the people.
Morocco’s economy seems to be growing at a steady pace, rising 5.5% in Q2. Inflation has fallen to 2% as well. The nation’s economic status does not matter to Gen Z, who make up around 25% of Morocco’s population. They cannot find work and have nothing to lose. Hundreds have been arrested, and the civil unrest is amplifying as the protests continue.