Marrakech – Former Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki has voiced confidence that King Mohammed VI will handle Morocco’s current crisis with wisdom. He compared the situation to 2012 when the King’s approach saved Morocco from the heavy price other Arab Spring countries paid.
In a statement titled “About Recent Events in My Second Country,” Marzouki said what happens in Morocco matters to him as much as events in Tunisia. He described himself as someone who cares deeply about Morocco’s stability and progress.
“I follow these recent events constantly. My position is that of a lover eager for Morocco’s stability, continued impressive progress, and the realization of its proud youth’s dreams,” Marzouki wrote.
He noted that demonstrations are common in France, where he lives in his third exile. Daily protests demand continuous reforms there. Legitimate youth protests are a characteristic of all living societies, he argued, adding that Morocco is no exception.
Marzouki praised the peaceful approach of Moroccan youth. He spotlighted three principles they follow: no vulgar language, no violence against police, and no destruction of public property. He called this the correct approach that should lead to de-escalation through responding to youth demands and continuing reforms.
“I am confident and hopeful that King Mohammed VI will handle this crisis with the wisdom he showed in responding to the 2012 events,” Marzouki stated.
He was referring to the February 20 Movement protests that led to reforms including the July 2011 Constitution. That response spared Morocco the heavy price Arab Spring peoples paid to the counter-revolution that temporarily aborted their hopes for freedom, justice, and dignity.
Marzouki served as Tunisia’s president from 2011 to 2014 during the country’s post-revolution transition period.
His statement received widespread approval from many Moroccans who appreciated his moderate stance. Some contrasted his position with Yemeni activist Tawakkol Karman, who described Morocco’s situation as an “Arab Spring.” Critics questioned her Nobel Peace Prize and considered her position exaggerated.
Gen Z protests call for government accountability
The protests began mid-September after eight pregnant women died at a public hospital in Agadir following cesarean sections. The GenZ 212 collective emerged and began coordinating demonstrations on September 27. Named after Morocco’s telephone code, it has over 150,000 members on Discord.
On October 3, the collective sent a letter to King Mohammed VI demanding the government’s dissolution. “We demand the dissolution of the current government for its failure to protect Moroccan constitutional rights and respond to their social demands,” the statement read.
Protesters chanted “The people want health and education” during demonstrations. They also called out “We don’t want the World Cup, health is priority” in reference to Morocco co-hosting the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal. The kingdom has invested heavily in infrastructure, including new stadiums, high-speed rail expansion, and airport modernization.
Authorities authorized demonstrations for the first time on Wednesday, October 1. Hundreds gathered in Casablanca, Tangier, and Tetouan behind slogans like “The people want an end to corruption” and “Freedom, dignity and social justice.”
Violence erupted that night. Three people were killed by gendarmes acting in “legitimate defense” when they attempted to storm a gendarmerie brigade in Lqliaâ village near Agadir. Authorities said the group tried to steal ammunition and weapons.
The Interior Ministry reported over 350 injured, mostly security forces. Material damage included 271 authority vehicles and 175 private cars. Nearly 80 administrative, health, security, banking and commercial establishments were vandalized. Many minors participated in the violence.
Earlier unauthorized protests on Tuesday had caused nearly 300 injuries and led to over 400 arrests in cities including Oujda and Inzegane.
The GenZ 212 collective describes itself as a “discussion space” on issues like health, education, and fighting corruption. It claims to act out of “love for the homeland and King Mohammed VI.” The Head of Government expressed the government’s willingness to respond to youth social demands and its readiness for dialogue.
However, critics argue this is a tactic of containment, especially since the movement is leaderless and does not affiliate with any body or ideology. They insist that the government should address the demands themselves, rather than looking for representatives “behind” them, because it is “the people as a whole who are standing behind these calls.”
King holds power to dissolve parliament amid crisis
Legal analysts note the Moroccan Constitution grants the King authority to address the crisis. Article 42 establishes the King as the nation’s supreme representative, symbol of unity, and guarantor of state continuity. He serves as the supreme arbiter between institutions and ensures constitutional respect and proper institutional functioning.
Under Articles 51 and 96, the King may dissolve Parliament after consulting the Constitutional Court and notifying the Head of Government and parliamentary presidents. Parliament’s dissolution automatically ends the government’s mandate since it derives legitimacy from the parliamentary coalition.
This constitutional framework remains relevant. In March 2017, the King dismissed then-Head of Government Abdelilah Benkirane. The Royal Palace stated the decision was among the options available based on both the letter and spirit of the Constitution.
The country faces strong territorial inequalities and disparities between public and private systems. Protesters demand better health and education services amid widespread frustration with corruption and elite unaccountability.
