Moroccan government pledges dialogue with Gen Z while accelerating key reforms
The Moroccan government has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the demands of the youth-led GenZ 212 protest movement, emphasizing ongoing reforms in education, health, and employment.
Speaking after the weekly Council meeting, Government Spokesperson and minister delegate for parliamentary relations, Mustapha Baitas, stated that authorities have “received and understood the message” from the protesting youth and have been “clear and transparent from the start” in their response.
Baitas emphasized that meaningful dialogue requires engagement from both sides. “Until the other side is ready and the conditions for dialogue are in place, the government will continue to accelerate ongoing projects, particularly in health, education, and employment,” he said, noting recent meetings designed to fast-track progress in these sectors.
Highlighting structural reforms, Baitas mentioned legislative measures such as alternative sentencing to reduce prison overcrowding and revisions to the country’s penal policies. “These are real reforms, not slogans. They are concrete initiatives that directly improve citizens’ daily lives,” he said, while acknowledging that challenges remain in some areas.
On social development, Baitas noted that nearly MAD 49 billion ($5.36 billion) has been allocated toward this effort through 2027. This initiative has already led to an increase in the minimum wage from MAD 3,000 to MAD 4,500 ($330 to $495) and a rise in the average civil servant salary from MAD 8,000 to MAD 10,600 ($880 to $1,170).
Education reform, central to GenZ 212’s demands, was also highlighted. The “Pioneering Schools” program now covers over 5,412 primary and secondary schools—almost half of Morocco’s public schools. More than 4,626 primary schools and 786 secondary schools participate, achieving an overall implementation rate of 30%. Most classrooms have been renovated and equipped with projectors and computers, with implementation exceeding 80%, though some schools are still awaiting full IT equipment.
Baitas concluded by reiterating the government’s commitment to mobilize resources to address shortcomings and improve public services, while encouraging active participation from all parties in dialogue.
Meanwhile, GenZ 212 has expressed mistrust toward government-led dialogue, appealing directly to His Majesty King Mohammed VI and calling for the dismissal of Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch, whom they accuse of corruption. They have also launched a boycott campaign targeting him. Youth are now awaiting the King’s upcoming speech, which will mark the start of the new parliamentary term.
