The Moroccan "Generation Z 212" Movement Temporarily Suspends Protests and Affirms Commitment to Reform Demands

The "Generation Z 212" youth movement in Morocco announced on Saturday that it is temporarily suspending its protests after two weeks of demonstrations that took place in several Moroccan cities, demanding urgent reforms in the health and education sectors.

The movement stated in a statement reported by local media that it will not call for demonstrations during the weekend, explaining that the decision came after long hours of discussion and consultation with activists and field experts from various regions, and "based on a careful reading of the field situation and the current political context".

The statement added that the temporary halt is a "strategic step aimed at enhancing internal organization and coordination, and ensuring that the next phase is more effective and impactful".


Commitment to Demands and Anticipated Escalation

The movement confirmed that it is not retreating from its core demands, foremost among them being "holding accountable those responsible for corruption and holding the government accountable for social and economic deterioration," according to the French Press Agency.

"Generation Z 212" indicated that it will announce a new call for protests later today, which will be directed – according to the statement – against "the government and anyone who obstructs the realization of the Moroccan people's demands for dignity, justice, and accountability".



From Digital Protests to Field Movement

The "Generation Z 212" movement emerged in mid-September through the digital platform "Discord," following the death of eight pregnant women in a public hospital in the city of Agadir in the south of the country, an incident that sparked widespread anger on social media before spilling into the streets.

The movement called on the Moroccan monarch King Mohammed VI to intervene directly for a comprehensive reform in public service sectors, particularly health and education.

This came before the king's speech on Friday during the opening of the parliamentary session in Rabat, where he emphasized the need to accelerate development programs, especially in the social and educational fields, without directly mentioning the youth protests.


Temporary Halt Does Not Mean Retreat

The movement had previously announced that it would not organize protests on Friday "in respect and appreciation for His Majesty the King," while affirming at the same time that this "does not mean retreating from the demands or stopping popular pressure".

The movement is expected to reveal its new strategy and plans in the coming days to continue pressing for the reforms it demands.