"I will not vote for anyone. I am firmly convinced that it will have no positive effect on my living conditions," asserts Saad, a 28-year-old who finds himself among a small group of disenchanted youths gathered at the entrance of the old city in Casablanca, the economic capital of Morocco. This sentiment is echoed by many, as they face the impending legislative elections scheduled for September 23 with skepticism. One participant lamented, "We have been accustomed to these scenes for years, but just look around you to realize that our situation has not changed." This perspective is not an isolated one; numerous young people interviewed by France 24 expressed doubts regarding the utility of elections. Having previously participated in or supported the Gen Z 212 movement, Moroccan youth remain skeptical of political parties' promises.
The Gen Z 212 collective emerged last year in response to public outrage following the tragic deaths of eight women who came to give birth at a public hospital in Agadir. Since late September 2025, the movement, which started on social media, has organized nationwide rallies demanding reforms, job creation, an end to corruption, and the dismissal of the government. The group has also highlighted the state's financial priorities, arguing that the colossal investments related to hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup should have been accompanied by increased funding for hospitals and schools.
Observers note that these protests have illuminated the distrust that Moroccan youth harbor towards political parties and traditional institutions. A 2025 survey conducted by the Moroccan Center for Citizenship revealed that nearly 95% of respondents expressed a lack of trust in political parties. Karim, another disenchanted young man, shares this sentiment, stating, "I no longer see what we could gain from voting. I have lost all trust in political parties. Even my brothers and family members will not vote. For years, we have been fed the same promises, but nothing has changed." He further articulates the pressing issue for youth is employment, emphasizing the challenges of finding work with adequate compensation.
For many youths who took to the streets last year, these elections do not represent a natural extension of their protest movement. They perceive political institutions as failing to address their demands. Despite the youth representing a significant portion of the Moroccan population—approximately one-quarter of Moroccans aged between 15 and 29—their presence in the electorate does not reflect their demographic weight. According to the latest available data, only 15% of registered voters are aged between 25 and 34, with a mere 4% between 18 and 24.
These legislative elections are set against the backdrop of an unprecedented wave of migration towards the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, suggesting, according to some Moroccans, that social and economic injustices persist in the kingdom. "If I had the opportunity to emigrate, I wouldn’t hesitate. I do not want to stay here and live under these conditions. We, the youth, want jobs, stability, and the opportunity to build our future," explains Karim.
Conversely, Salma remains convinced of the need for "change within the institutions themselves." This university student and political activist believes that "the youth have the capacity to change their reality by freely and democratically choosing those who represent them." She has followed in her father's footsteps by joining a political party that allows her to express differing opinions and make her voice heard. "I don’t understand those who prefer to remain distant spectators: how can they assert their demands? For me, change starts with the conviction that political action is useful and that institutions can achieve this change." In the aftermath of the Gen Z protests, the government has initiated a series of measures to encourage youth participation in political life, including a program to cover up to 75% of campaign expenses for candidates under 35 without political affiliation, as well as implementing quotas for women and youth in party leadership roles, accompanied by financial incentives.
Beyond the representation of youth in political life, health and education, central to the Gen Z demands, have been prioritized in the 2026 budget. The financial allocation for these sectors totals 140 billion dirhams (approximately 13 billion euros), with the creation of over 27,000 positions. The government has also announced a program to rehabilitate and renovate 90 hospitals. However, Sanaa, a university student who actively participated in Gen Z protests, views contestation as a more effective means of voicing youth concerns than political participation. "Decision-making power is far from the parties or even the government," she asserts, acknowledging that major strategic decisions are often made outside of Parliament. Nevertheless, she recognizes Parliament's responsibility for their current struggles, which is why she has chosen not to vote.
According to analyst Tarik Atlati, Morocco has undergone significant transformations in recent years, economically and in infrastructure, citing the expansion of road, rail, and port networks, as well as developments in the industrial and logistics sectors. However, he emphasizes that "the impact of these transformations remains uneven across social categories and regions, amid challenges related to employment, purchasing power, health, and education." As the upcoming elections approach, there are concerns about increasing voter abstention, with the number of registered voters this year approximately 2.2 million fewer than in 2021.
While traditional parties are focusing on mobilizing young voters, many believe that protest or emigration are more effective means of making their voices heard. Analyst Tarek Atlati posits that these challenges "do not negate the transformations Morocco has experienced, but rather reveal a gap between broad policies and strategies and their impact on the daily lives of certain population segments and regions."As reported by france24.com.
