Rabat – Former Moroccan MP Omar Balafrej spoke on Wednesday during a live podcast with the Moroccan youth group GenZ212 on Discord, during which he ruled out returning to politics.
“It’s time for me to step back and let others continue the fight,” Balafrej said, adding that “despite all the calls for me to return, the day I decided to leave, I knew that was it. I’m not coming back.”
Balafrej spoke positively about the Gen Z youth movement in Morocco, saying that their protests and activism have brought new energy into politics and encouraged public discussion. “They’ve brought a new energy into politics, with a noble sense of purpose. They want to take responsibility and lead the fight for change in our country,” he said.
Morocco witnessed a wave of youth-led protests in recent weeks to demand better healthcare and education services, as well as social equality. Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets to express their demands and call on the government to make concrete changes in these sectors
The left-wing politician, who once represented the Federation of the Democratic Left, said he had “used up all his energy” during his time in politics. He explained that he had already contributed by serving in Parliament and by regularly explaining legislative procedures to citizens in weekly videos. “It’s time for new energies to take over,” he added.
During the podcast, which drew more listeners than the platform’s room limit, Balafrej said the reasons that made him quit politics remain the same: “a dark political atmosphere, a lack of truly independent media, and no real hope for political openness.”
He recalled that one of the main reasons for his departure was the failure to build a strong, popular left-wing party and the wave of journalist arrests, including that of Omar Radi. “In my last parliamentary speech, I said the state must move beyond nihilism and stop silencing every independent voice. Without a free press, like Omar Radi’s pen, even if we disagree, and others who question and criticize officials with genuine concern for the country, Morocco will lose those who truly care about it,” he said.
‘Political theater’
Balafrej noted that the situation has not changed: “The Hirak Rif detainees are still in prison, and now there are new detainees from the Gen Z protests, with fears of harsh court rulings against them.”
He called for a “political breakthrough” through a draft law that would grant a general amnesty to all political and protest-related detainees. “This topic should not be a taboo,” he insisted.
“In this Moroccan context, I don’t see what more I can offer compared to what I’ve already done,” he continued. “But the media must be free to criticize politicians and the government. I refuse to take part in what feels like a staged play.”
Balafrej said he does not see a place for himself “in such a political theater.” Asked what he would do if he ever held office, he replied: “I would propose a law for political openness, release all prisoners, and end harassment of journalists, both in the public and private sectors.”
The former MP further commended the Gen Z movement, saying it had already encouraged the state media to open discussions that should happen regularly.
Following the GenZ212 protests, which began peacefully in the first days but later turned violent, the government majority said it is “fully ready” to listen to the youth’s demands and open dialogue.
The government acknowledged the challenges in Morocco’s health and education sectors but said that change takes time, outlining plans to fix these issues. Moroccan youth, however, said they were fed up with empty promises and demanded tangible change and real will to address their grievances.
