By the News Center — After a one-day pause, Morocco’s Generation Z212 movement returned to the streets on Thursday, October 9, with massive demonstrations in 20 cities across the country — just one day before the King’s much-anticipated national address.

The protesters, made up mostly of young Moroccans, have remained steadfast in their demand for the resignation of Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, as the government tries to calm tensions by signaling a willingness to engage in dialogue — but only once a legitimate youth representative body is identified.

The nation now awaits the royal speech, scheduled for Friday, October 10, at the Parliament building in Rabat — an address many expect will respond to the growing frustration among the youth.

Morocco’s young generation is facing mounting disillusionment, driven by soaring unemployment, rising living costs, and the deterioration of essential services such as education and healthcare. With limited opportunities and waning faith in the political establishment, Generation Z212 has taken to the streets demanding change — calling for peace, but firm in their pursuit of a better life and future.

These protests stand out for their disciplined and non-violent nature, with demonstrators rejecting vandalism and extremism. However, some analysts warn that Islamist political groups — long accused of hijacking popular movements, as seen during the Arab Spring uprisings of 2011 — could attempt to exploit the unrest for their own gain.

At this critical moment in Morocco’s modern history, the government faces the challenge of crafting a credible political offer — one that genuinely includes citizens in decision-making, rebuilds public trust, and addresses the deep-rooted social and economic grievances that have driven Generation Z212 to the streets for two consecutive weeks.