Protests in Morocco Over World Cup Stadiums and Public Services
Large protests have erupted across Morocco in response to the government’s decision to prioritize the construction of football stadiums for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, rather than invest in improving basic public services such as healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.
The demonstrations, led mostly by young people under the banner of movements like GenZ 212, have spread through major cities including Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, and Agadir. Protesters argue that while the government is spending billions on sports infrastructure, ordinary citizens continue to face daily struggles with underfunded hospitals, overcrowded schools, high unemployment, and rising living costs.
 |
| PHOTSTORY |
Public anger was further inflamed after several maternal deaths at a hospital in Agadir, which many saw as a tragic symbol of the country’s failing healthcare system. Chants such as “We don’t need stadiums, we need hospitals!” have become rallying cries during the marches.
The protests have at times turned tense, with clashes between demonstrators and security forces, and some arrests reported. Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch has since called for dialogue, while health officials in some regions have been dismissed in an attempt to calm outrage.
Analysts note that Morocco’s push to host global tournaments like the World Cup and the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations is meant to boost the nation’s international profile and tourism industry. However, protesters argue that the prestige of hosting football events should not come at the expense of essential services that millions of Moroccans desperately rely on.
The protests, some of the largest Morocco has seen in years, highlight a growing generational frustration with government priorities and the widening gap between high-profile projects and the realities of everyday life for citizens.