Morocco's Gen Z pauses protests amid dwindling turnout, ahead of royal speech

Morocco's Gen Z protest movement announced on Tuesday night that it would suspend street demonstrations until Thursday, just ahead of King Mohammed VI's annual address to Parliament scheduled for Friday.

In a statement shared on social media, the 'leaderless group', known as "GenZ 212", said the decision was taken following a vote on Discord and approved "by agreement of the majority of demonstrators" to "reorganise and plan to ensure greater effectiveness on Thursday." 

The group described the pause as "a strategic step to strengthen the voice of the youth and ensure it is heard clearly and effectively," insisting it was not a retreat from their demands.

Since late September, young Moroccans have mobilised online and in person to demand the dismissal of Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch's cabinet, and comprehensive reforms to education, healthcare, and employment. 

The online-coordinated movement has tapped into the frustrations of a generation grappling with joblessness and failing public services in a country pouring millions into World Cup infrastructure.

Yet the announcement to halt protests has sparked debate across Morocco's political scene.

Abdelilah Benkirane, head of the Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD), called the decision "unwise," warning that it might be interpreted as an attempt to pressure the monarch.

"It is not appropriate to protest while the King delivers his speech before Parliament," Benkirane said in a video address on Tuesday.

Still, the former premier—who once led the government now under scrutiny—praised the young protesters for avoiding direct confrontation with the monarchy and for citing the King's previous speeches in their statements.

"You have shown great respect for the institution of the monarchy, and this is appreciated by all Moroccans," he said. 

The protest movement, now entering its second week, has already witnessed waves of arrests and clashes with security forces, killing three people. While authorities initially adopted a heavy-handed response, they have since allowed demonstrations to continue in several cities.

The movement's momentum, however, appears to have slowed in recent days amid fatigue and disorganisation. During this week's rallies, only a small group of demonstrators gathered at the usual protest site in Rabat.

"The early security response disrupted the movement's momentum," said analyst Mostafa Benradi in an interview with local media. He added that images of vandalism and violence in some areas "shifted the public debate away from the protesters' demands and towards concerns about public order."

A government-led media campaign and calls for dialogue have further dampened the protests.

Over the past few days, state television—for the first time in years—has aired programmes featuring ministers and young activists debating live.

Despite some missteps, most ministers acknowledged their shortcomings and the legitimacy of the reform movement's demands, even as they rejected calls for resignation.

Officials have pledged to prioritise reforms in healthcare but stated that they would remain in office due to their "constitutional responsibility", noting that the country is already preparing for elections in 2026.

The absence of clear leadership within the Gen Z movement has also left it vulnerable to fragmentation and political co-optation.

On Tuesday night, as part of their daily Discord podcast, organisers hosted Mohamed Talal Lahlou, a Moroccan researcher in Islamic finance known for his criticism of family code reforms, which he claims favour women over men. Lahlou has also opposed, in previous interviews with local media, the concept of the abolition of underage marriage and polygamy.

Although the group insisted it does not align with any political ideology, the decision to feature Lahlou prompted backlash online, with some distancing themselves from the movement.

"The moment your argument denies someone's right to be, it stops being a debate. It becomes violence," wrote activist Iman Bermaki, who has been supportive of the youth group, in an Instagram post. 

Despite divisions and dwindling numbers, the problems that sparked the protests—unemployment, corruption, and poor public services—remain unresolved and continue to drive calls for reform.

As King Mohammed VI prepares to address Parliament on Friday, many Moroccans will be watching to see whether the monarch will address Gen Z's call to dismiss the government.