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Morocco's 2026 Budget Focuses on Health, Education Amid Protests

10/19/2025

Summary

Minister Prioritizes Education

Morocco Finance Minister Nadia Fettah Alaoui announced the 2026 budget will prioritize health and education amid youth-led protests over public services.
The government spends just under 9% of GDP on these sectors.
King Mohammed VI says national projects must align with social programs.
The budget presentation is expected later this month to address regional inequalities, especially in rural areas.

Summary

Youth Demand Reforms

On October 18, 2025, youth-led protests resumed in Morocco, demanding reforms in education and healthcare and the resignation of Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch.
The Gen Z 212 movement, with over 210,000 members on Discord, organized demonstrations in cities like Casablanca and Tangier.
Protesters criticized the government's prioritization of sports infrastructure over social services, chanting, “Stadiums are here, but where are the hospitals?”
The protests were ignited by public outrage over healthcare failures, including the deaths of eight pregnant women in a public hospital.

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Minister Prioritizes Education

Morocco Finance Minister Nadia Fettah Alaoui announced the 2026 budget will prioritize health and education amid youth-led protests over public services.
The government spends just under 9% of GDP on these sectors.
King Mohammed VI says national projects must align with social programs.
The budget presentation is expected later this month to address regional inequalities, especially in rural areas.

1 / 2