Hundreds of Moroccans have taken to the streets in major cities, demanding that the government prioritize healthcare, education, and job creation over massive infrastructure projects for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which the country is set to co-host with Spain and Portugal.
Chanting slogans such as “We want hospitals, not stadiums!” and “Bread, schools, and dignity!”, protesters gathered in Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, and Marrakech over the weekend, expressing anger at what they described as misplaced government priorities.
The demonstrations, organized by a coalition of civil society groups and social justice activists, come amid growing economic hardship and frustration over the state of Morocco’s public services.
Mounting Frustration Over Spending Priorities
Morocco’s selection as one of the 2030 World Cup co-hosts was initially met with national pride and excitement. However, months later, many citizens say the government’s focus on building new stadiums and upgrading tourist zones highlights a disconnect between leaders and the struggles of ordinary people.
The Moroccan government has announced plans to spend billions of dirhams on renovating existing sports facilities and constructing new ones across several host cities, including Casablanca, Rabat, Agadir, Fez, and Tangier.
But protesters argue that this investment could be better spent improving the nation’s struggling healthcare system, which faces chronic underfunding, a shortage of doctors, and inadequate hospital infrastructure—especially in rural areas.
We don’t need a new stadium in every city. What we need are hospitals that can save lives,” said Amina El-Hassani, a teacher and activist who joined the Rabat protest.
The government is preparing to host foreign guests while citizens can’t access basic medical care or find jobs.”
Economic Pressure and Unemployment
The protests also reflect broader discontent with Morocco’s economic situation. Inflation has surged in recent years, driven by rising food and energy prices, while unemployment—particularly among the youth—remains persistently high.
According to recent data from Morocco’s Haut Commissariat au Plan (HCP), unemployment among young people aged 15–24 stands at more than 32%, with many university graduates struggling to find work despite holding degrees.
Our young people are educated but jobless, and our hospitals are collapsing. Yet the government is spending billions on football,” said Karim Bouazza, a civil servant in Casablanca. Hosting the World Cup won’t heal our sick or feed our poor.”
Government’s Response
In response to the growing criticism, government spokesperson Mustapha Baitas defended the World Cup spending, saying it would bring long-term economic benefits and global recognition to Morocco.
He argued that the event will attract tourism, create jobs, and stimulate development in transportation, hospitality, and other sectors.
Hosting the World Cup is not a waste—it’s an investment in Morocco’s future,” Baitas said during a recent press briefing. The infrastructure being built will serve our citizens long after the tournament ends.”
Despite these assurances, many citizens remain skeptical, pointing to previous large-scale projects—such as the high-speed rail line and luxury resorts—that they say benefited elites and foreign investors more than local communities.
A Deepening Divide
Analysts warn that the growing frustration could signal deeper social tensions as Morocco prepares for the massive global event.
Dr. Youssef Benchekroun, a political analyst at the University of Rabat, said the protests reflect a widening gap between state ambitions and public welfare.
While the government sees the World Cup as a symbol of progress, the people see it as proof of misplaced priorities,” he said. For many Moroccans, development means better healthcare, education, and fair wages—not prestige projects that serve a global audience.”
He added that unless the government addresses these concerns transparently, protests could intensify as the tournament draws nearer.
Healthcare in Crisis
Public hospitals across Morocco have long been plagued by inadequate facilities, long waiting times, and a shortage of medical staff. In many rural regions, residents must travel hours to access basic healthcare services.
In 2023, doctors in multiple cities held strikes demanding better working conditions and higher pay. Meanwhile, reports of patients dying due to lack of hospital beds or equipment have sparked outrage on social media.
If a mother dies in childbirth because the hospital lacks an incubator, no stadium can replace her,” said Dr. Leila Idrissi, a public health worker in Marrakech.
The government’s priorities must reflect the needs of the living, not the applause of the world.”
Looking Ahead to 2030
While Morocco continues to push forward with its World Cup preparations, activists insist that the event should not come at the expense of citizens’ welfare.
Civil society groups have called on the government to publish transparent budgets for World Cup projects and ensure that local communities benefit from the infrastructural development.
As one protester’s placard read:
Football brings pride, but hospitals bring life.”
The message from the streets is clear — for many Moroccans, national prestige means little if it does not translate into better living conditions, access to quality healthcare, and hope for the future.