70% of young Moroccans disengaged from elected institutions, study reveals

Sunday 13 July 2025 - 08:50

By: Dakir Madiha

70% of young Moroccans disengaged from elected institutions, study reveals

A recent report by the association Citoyens has uncovered a deep “crisis of trust” between Moroccan youth and elected institutions, with 70% of young people expressing a lack of confidence in officials and public bodies. The findings highlight a growing disillusionment that threatens political participation among the nation’s younger generations.

The report, titled “How Do Young People View Civic Engagement?”, reveals that this mistrust manifests not in confrontation but in withdrawal. Many young Moroccans have distanced themselves from public life, feeling their voices are neither heard nor impactful. This disengagement is fueled by frustration over the absence of tangible results in their daily lives and limited access to decision-makers.

Youth respondents criticized public consultations as largely ineffective, often leading to no real change. They expressed dissatisfaction with being treated as passive recipients of government initiatives rather than active partners in shaping policies. Many feel democracy in Morocco prioritizes appearances over genuine involvement, creating further apathy.

Social media: A double-edged sword

The study found that while 68% of young Moroccans use social media to share their views on political and social issues, they rarely receive meaningful responses from public institutions. Government communication on digital platforms is described as “rare and one-sided,” with authorities failing to engage with comments or questions. This lack of interaction, referred to as “digital silence,” has deepened feelings of neglect and alienation among youth.

Barriers to participation

Despite the availability of formal participation tools such as petitions and public consultations, only half of the surveyed youth reported using them. Reasons cited include overly complex designs, lack of mobile-friendly options, and an absence of follow-up or feedback from authorities. These shortcomings discourage young people from engaging through official channels, further widening the gap between institutions and citizens.

The report concludes that Morocco must prioritize building trust and fostering meaningful connections with its youth. It calls for better communication, more inclusive decision-making processes, and modern, accessible tools to ensure young Moroccans feel empowered to contribute to their country’s future.