Morocco is grappling with rising social unrest, as protests by young citizens and growing discontent within the energy sector expose deep-seated governance challenges.
From overburdened gas stations to public demonstrations demanding better healthcare and employment, warning signs of a systemic crisis are multiplying.
The National Association of Gas Station Owners, Traders, and Managers has raised alarms over the uncontrolled growth of an informal fuel market.
Licensed stations report being undercut by unregulated competitors, citing illegal dumps, mobile operations, and unjustified price disparities.
“The authorities have ignored our repeated calls for dialogue for over a year,” said the association, pointing to a September 26 meeting on petroleum product labeling as insufficient to address urgent issues. A planned national strike could seriously disrupt fuel supply if concerns remain unaddressed.
The grievances are not confined to the energy sector.
Moroccan youth, particularly Generation Z, have taken to the streets in recent days, mobilized via digital platforms like Telegram. Protests erupted following a series of maternal deaths at Hassan II public hospital in Agadir, exposing systemic failings in healthcare, under-resourced schools, and precarious teaching conditions.
Collectives such as Moroccan Youth Voice and GenZ212 are calling for measurable reforms and accountability.
“Stadiums versus hospitals, dilapidated schools versus colossal projects,” activists note, highlighting the stark contrast between government spending on mega-projects and basic public services.
Observers say these movements reflect a crisis of legitimacy. Gas station managers seek regulatory intervention and institutional dialogue, while young citizens demand fair public services and transparency. Both point to decision-making concentrated in closed circles and inadequate government responsiveness as core issues.
Authorities have largely relied on security measures, dispersing rallies in Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech and arresting several young demonstrators. Yet the digital-savvy generation remains undeterred, demanding actionable roadmaps, verifiable commitments, and timely results.
As protests and industrial tensions converge, Morocco faces mounting pressure to address both economic and social grievances or risk further instability.
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