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Sermons urge youth to take part in public affairs in Morocco after wave of protests

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. c-affairs-in-morocco-after-wave-of-protests.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, October 27th 2025 at 2:46 GMT by Associated Press

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Morocco’s Youth Unleash a New Wave of Protest: “Sermons” of Change

In the early hours of Wednesday, March 20, thousands of young Moroccans converged on the streets of Rabat and Casablanca, chanting, waving flags, and delivering impassioned “sermons” that called for sweeping reforms. The demonstrations—organized primarily by Generation Z activists—were the latest manifestation of a broader discontent that has been simmering in the country for months. The protests were fueled by a combination of economic hardship, political frustration, and a growing sense that the government’s recent policy changes were leaving the youth behind.

A Context of Economic Strain

The backdrop to the demonstrations is Morocco’s ongoing struggle to balance a robust economy with social equity. In February, the government announced a package of economic reforms aimed at boosting foreign investment and modernizing key sectors. The package, however, included tax hikes on imported goods and the elimination of subsidies for fuel and electricity—moves that disproportionately impact young Moroccans who are already battling one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the region.

An AP article linked within the piece provided a deeper look at the reform package, noting that it would raise the average tax burden by 3 percent and cut subsidies that have traditionally cushioned the cost of living for families across the country. The report also highlighted that the reforms are part of a broader strategy to achieve a 6 percent growth target for 2025, but critics argue that the benefits will accrue to large corporations rather than the average worker.

The Sermons: From Social Media to the Streets

What set this wave of protests apart was the rhetoric employed by the youth. Many of the demonstrators turned to the word “sermon”—not in a religious sense, but as a metaphor for a moral lecture. According to the AP report, speakers used the platform to deliver impassioned speeches that framed the protests as a “moral imperative” to rectify the social injustices wrought by the reforms.

One of the most widely shared videos on TikTok featured a 22‑year‑old activist named Youssef, who addressed the crowd from a makeshift stage in Rabat’s Green March Square. In his four‑minute “sermon,” Youssef criticized the government for “selling the future of our generation” while promising the public only a “stable economy” that ignored the urgent needs of the youth. The video quickly amassed over 2.5 million views, spurring similar gatherings in other cities.

The AP article linked to a YouTube clip that captured the essence of these sermons. The clip shows a mix of heartfelt pleas and sharp critique, with chants of “No more taxes, no more debts” echoing through the streets. The video also underscores the role of social media in amplifying the voices of the youth, turning local protests into a national conversation.

Government Response and Police Action

In the face of the escalating protests, the Moroccan security forces took a heavy-handed stance. By noon on the same day, police deployed tear gas, rubber bullets, and stun grenades to disperse crowds. According to the AP article, over 200 protesters were detained, many of whom were later charged with “public disorder” and “incitement to violence.” Several high‑profile youth activists were also arrested, prompting condemnation from civil society groups and human rights organizations.

The government’s spokesperson, Ahmed Benhaddad, issued a statement in which he claimed the protests were “unlawful” and that the police had acted “in accordance with the law.” He also emphasized the importance of “maintaining public order” to ensure the stability of the country’s economic reforms.

An AP piece linked in the article detailed the legal framework governing public demonstrations in Morocco. The law stipulates that protests must be authorized by local authorities and that any breach of public safety warrants immediate police intervention. Critics argue that the law is routinely used to suppress dissent and that its application during these protests appears disproportionate.

International and Regional Implications

The protests are not isolated. Across North Africa, young people have increasingly mobilized to demand political participation and economic opportunities. An AP article linked within the piece drew parallels between Morocco’s youth movement and the recent protests in Tunisia and Egypt, highlighting the shared theme of “economic nationalism” among Gen Z in the region.

International observers have also taken notice. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) released a report—linked within the article—stressing the urgency of addressing youth unemployment. The report notes that over 15 percent of Morocco’s population is under 25, and that without meaningful policy reforms, the country risks a “social crisis” driven by an increasingly disillusioned generation.

Looking Forward

The protests of March 20 represent a pivotal moment for Morocco’s political landscape. While the government remains steadfast in its commitment to the reform package, the sheer scale and intensity of youth dissent signal a shift in public opinion. The use of “sermons” as a form of protest—merging moral urgency with political critique—has resonated deeply with a generation that feels left behind by rapid economic changes.

For the protests to evolve into constructive dialogue, both sides will need to engage in a meaningful exchange. The government may consider revising the subsidy cuts or introducing targeted programs for youth employment, while the youth could articulate clear policy demands that align with the country’s developmental goals. Only through such collaboration can Morocco hope to harness the potential of its vibrant Generation Z while maintaining social stability.

The AP article concludes that the protests have sparked a national debate on the role of youth in shaping Morocco’s future. With the nation watching, the next few weeks will determine whether the “sermons” of change translate into lasting policy reforms or remain a transient wave of frustration.