Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Marrakech — Wednesday, October 8.The protests led by the decentralized collective'Gen Z 212'nowin their second week, following a series of marches that began in late September to denounce corruption, the state of public services, and the high cost of living. Several cities have experienced incidents in recent days, while organizers call for peaceful gatherings to continue.
Campuses take center stage
A major turning point: theNational Union of Higher Education (SNESup)held a48-hour national strike on October 6 and 7. The movement, decided on September 29, protests against ongoing reform and is part of an expanded action plan. Partial disruptions have been observed in several institutions.
The social context
As of thesecond quarter of 2025, youth unemployment for those aged 15–24stood at35.8%(compared to a national average of 12.8%), a key indicator in the mobilization. The demands also focus on access to healthcare and education, as well as governance of public policies.What the government is preparing
The
draft guidelines for the 2026 Finance Billhighlight social priorities (targeting aid, productive investment) and macroeconomic balance objectives (growth around 4.5%, deficit at ~3%, stabilized debt). It remains to be seen if these directions will meet young people's short-term expectations for employment and purchasing power.And now?
The entry of higher education into the equation broadens the social front, but the outcome remains uncertain: will there be a consultation timetable, a targeted social package for youth, or mere security management? The coming days will reveal whether the momentum dissipates or institutionalizes on campuses and in the streets.
Key sourcesReuters, The Guardian, France 24, PBS NewsHour (Gen Z 212 movement); Le Matin & ExpressTV (SNESup strike October 6–7); TradingEconomics (youth unemployment, Q2 2025); Ministry of Finance/MAP/EcoActu (2026 Finance Bill)..
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