Morocco is considerably increasing investment in healthcare and education, allocating approximately €13 billion ($13.7 billion USD) to address demands from a recent wave of youth-led protests.
Morocco’s government has unveiled a substantial increase in social spending in an attempt to quell ongoing demonstrations led by the country’s Gen Z population. The proposed budget for 2026 allocates up to 140 billion Moroccan dirhams – a 16% increase over the current year – to healthcare and education, responding directly to the core grievances of the movement.King Mohammed VI presided over a Council of Ministers meeting on Sunday to approve the state budget, earmarking 10% of Morocco’s gross domestic product for hospitals and schools.
addressing Youth Demands Through Increased Investment
The surge in government spending comes three weeks after the largest popular mobilizations in Morocco in two decades began. The planned expenditure will also support the creation of 27,000 public sector jobs within the healthcare and education systems. According to reports, the youth movement appeared to pause its demonstrations following a speech by the King on October 10th, in which he urged public authorities to accelerate social reforms.
The collective “GenZ 212,” which organized the protests via social media, initially suspended demonstrations after the royal address. However, protests resumed on Saturday with peaceful gatherings in cities including Rabat, casablanca, and Tangier. Authorities report over 400 protesters have been detained since the unrest began on September 27th.
Concerns Over Arrests and Justice System Response
The Moroccan Association for Human Rights claims the number of arrests is significantly higher, reaching as many as 600, including minors. the Moroccan justice system has moved swiftly, with the court of Appeal in Agadir sentencing 17 young people to up to 15 years in prison on Wednesday, following accusations of involvement in violent clashes. The Agadir region experienced the most severe unrest, resulting in three deaths from police gunfire and dozens of injuries.
Economic Outlook Supports Increased Spending
Nadia Fetah, Morocco’s Minister of Economy and Finance, projects a 4.8% economic growth rate for the current year, up from 3.8% in 2024,to accommodate the increased social spending. Inflation remains contained at 1.1% annually. The government also aims to address territorial imbalances, a concern highlighted by King Mohammed VI in July, which threaten to create a “two-speed Morocco” with economic disparities between urban and rural areas.
Focus on Healthcare and Education Improvements
A key component of the budget is dedicated to the opening of a new hospital in Agadir.The deaths of eight women during cesarean sections at the city’s old hospital in September served as a catalyst for the Gen Z protests. The government has also pledged to build new hospitals in major cities and modernize 90 regional healthcare facilities.
In education, the new budget prioritizes universal pre-school education and supplementary classes in public schools.Ministry of Education reports indicate that deficiencies in educational services contribute to 47.5% of poverty cases.Approximately 1.5 million young people – one in four between the ages of 15 and 24 – are neither employed nor enrolled in education, according to the Moroccan Economic, Social and Environmental Council.
Addressing corruption and Political Participation
Responding to further demands from protesters, the government is introducing legal reforms to combat corruption in electoral campaigns. These measures will disqualify individuals convicted of corruption from participating in elections and incentivize political participation among those under 35 by simplifying candidacy procedures and providing 75% public funding for campaign expenses.
Following the start of the youth mobilizations, Interior Minister Abdeluafi Laftit – who reports directly to the Royal Palace – issued a circular to regional governors prioritizing social spending in the 2026 budgets. According to Jeune Afrique-a French-language publication-Laftit requested regional officials submit projects with “concrete impact” on employment, healthcare, and education.
