Weeks of Gen Z 212 protests have rocked Morocco, with young demonstrators demanding the ouster of the prime minister, whom they consider corrupt. Protesters criticize billions spent on 2030 World Cup stadiums while the public health system lags and youth unemployment reaches 36%.

Morocco's finance ministry on Monday submitted to the country's parliament a 2026 draft budget totalling 761.3 billion dirhams ($83 billion), up 5.5% from a year ago. The government expects economic growth to slow to 4.

Morocco’s Gen Z-led protests have drawn inspiration from similar movements in nations like Nepal. After eight women died giving birth in a public hospital in Agadir, a coastal city 296 miles (477 kilometers) from the capital Rabat, they set off a wave of fury that then spread nationwide.

Far from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech and Casablanca, Morocco’s coastal capital is finally getting its due. Learn when to visit, where to stay, what historic sites to explore, and more.

Morocco's 2026 budget will allocate 140 billion dirhams ($15 billion) to health and education, up 16% from last year, the royal palace said in a statement on Sunday. Improving health and education services was a key demand by youth protesters who demonstrated across Morocco in recent weeks.

Morocco has defeated France on 5-4 on penalties to reach its first Under-20 World Cup final. Third goalkeeper Abdelhakim El Mesbahi came off the bench at the end of extra time Wednesday and made the decisive save in the shootout.