Moroccan King Mohammed VI (L) and his son Crown Prince Hassan Moulay leave after a lunch at the Elysee Palace in Paris on November 11, 2018, during commemorations marking the 100th anniversary of the 11 November 1918 armistice, ending World War I. (Photo by JACQUES DEMARTHON / AFP)
Over the past weekend, Morocco witnessed a wave of protests as young citizens took to the streets to voice frustration over rising living costs, unemployment, and a perceived disconnect between the monarchy and everyday reality.
While the demonstrations directly criticized King Mohammed VI, attention has increasingly turned to his son, Crown Prince Moulay Hassan, seen by many as a potential bridge between the monarchy and Morocco’s younger generation.
Peaceful rallies took place in Rabat, Casablanca, Fez, and Marrakech, where hundreds of demonstrators, mostly students and young professionals, marched under banners decrying social inequality.
Slogans initially focused on economic grievances quickly shifted toward political criticism, highlighting the contrast between royal luxury and the struggles of ordinary citizens.
In some areas, placards and graffiti openly condemned the King’s alliances and lifestyle, particularly his connections abroad and political ties with Israel.
Authorities responded with force, making several dozen arrests and detaining demonstrators in an effort to prevent the rise of identifiable protest leaders.
For years, King Mohammed VI has been visible on social media alongside international celebrities, in luxury settings, or attending combat sports events. Critics argue that such displays reinforce perceptions of a monarch increasingly distant from the realities of Moroccan life.
In contrast, Generation Z has emerged as a central force in the protests, leveraging social media campaigns, hashtags, and viral videos to amplify their message of dignity and opportunity.
Crown Prince Moulay Hassan, 22, presents a markedly different image.
Known for rejecting certain formal protocols and maintaining a low-profile public life, he is seen as studious, diplomatic, and attuned to contemporary sensibilities.
His closeness to his mother, Lalla Salma, who remains a respected figure despite her absence from public view, further enhances his appeal among younger Moroccans seeking a monarchy that feels relatable.
While his accession to the throne is not imminent, Moulay Hassan’s image resonates as a symbol of potential renewal.
Among the youth, discussions of a “young king for a young people” reflect a desire for leadership that balances tradition with social awareness, offering an alternative to a monarchy increasingly perceived as distant and ostentatious.
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