World Cup fury: Moroccan streets erupt in protests over lavish spending

Demonstrations broke out across Morocco this past weekend as frustration mounted over the government’s heavy spending on preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which the country will co-host.

Crowds gathered in at least 11 cities, including Rabat and Marrakech, where police in riot gear and plainclothes officers moved in to disperse protesters and make arrests, as reported by Independent.co.uk.

Hundreds of mostly young demonstrators voiced anger over what they described as misplaced priorities, condemning corruption and criticizing authorities for investing in stadiums and sporting infrastructure while hospitals and schools remain underfunded. Some carried signs and chanted slogans, drawing a contrast between state-of-the-art stadiums and crumbling health services.

Gen Z protests

Notably, tensions escalated following reports that eight women recently died during childbirth at a public hospital in Agadir, a coastal city about 300 miles south of the capital. The incident fueled outrage and became a rallying point for calls to improve healthcare.

Unlike earlier waves of protests often organized by political parties or unions, this movement has been largely leaderless, driven by young people who mobilized through TikTok, Discord and other social media platforms. The demonstrations have been widely described as Morocco’s «Gen Z protests.»

Morocco’s youth, who comprise the country’s largest demographic group, have also drawn inspiration from movements abroad, particularly in Nepal, where young protesters have rallied against corruption, nepotism and a lack of opportunities.