Youth movement Gen Z212 ignites nationwide protests ahead of royal address

Friday 10 October 2025 - 14:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Youth movement Gen Z212 ignites nationwide protests ahead of royal address

Thousands of Moroccans took to the streets on Thursday under the banner of the Gen Z212 movement, demanding reforms just hours before His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s anticipated address to Parliament. The demonstrations, held across more than twenty cities including Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Fez, Agadir, and Laâyoune, reflected growing frustration over economic hardship, unemployment, and public sector shortcomings.

Protesters filled symbolic spaces such as Rabat’s Parliament Square and Casablanca’s Marché Central, calling for accountability, stronger health and education systems, and the resignation of the current government. Organizers characterized the marches as peaceful and inclusive, underscoring a shared goal of making citizens’ concerns impossible to ignore.

According to Gen Z212 organizers, Thursday’s mobilization represented one of the largest since the current administration took office. Demonstrators accused the government of prioritizing high-profile infrastructure and sports projects, such as stadium upgrades for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, at the expense of pressing social needs.

Earlier in the week, the movement had announced a temporary pause in demonstrations ahead of the royal address, describing it as a strategic move to amplify their message. “This is not a retreat,” Gen Z212 stated, “but a moment to ensure our voice reaches where it must be heard.”

Chants demanding the resignation of Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch echoed through Casablanca, where banners reading “Akhannouch Irhal” (“Akhannouch, step down”) were carried by demonstrators. The protests revived a broader call for a boycott of companies associated with Akhannouch amid growing allegations of mismanagement and conflicts of interest.

Social media footage showed diverse crowds of students, workers, and activists marching side by side, urging systemic change and greater social justice. As Morocco awaited HM King Mohammed VI’s national address, the Gen Z212 movement vowed to sustain public pressure until concrete reforms restore public confidence and address citizens’ aspirations for dignity, fairness, and opportunity.