At least two people have been killed in Morocco after police opened fire to prevent protesters from storming a police station in Lqliaa, near the coastal city of Agadir, according to state media.
These are the first deaths reported since massive youth-led protests broke out across Morocco on Saturday following public outrage over the government's decision to prioritize football stadiums for the 2030 FIFA World Cup instead of improving public services and addressing the ongoing economic crisis.
The popular chant among protesters, Stadiums are here, but where are the hospitals?, reflects the growing demand for better healthcare and education.
Demonstrators have described their local hospitals as inadequate, highlighting concerns about cleanliness and the need to bribe officials for access to services.
The unrest has intensified in the evenings, with authorities claiming self-defense in response to attacks during protests. The interior ministry has stated that peaceful protests will be tolerated under the law.
The youth-led movement, known as GenZ 212, has been gaining traction primarily through social media, and distances itself from any violence, lacking a formal leadership structure.
Economic statistics reveal Morocco's unemployment rate at 12.8%, with youth unemployment soaring to 35.8%. Recent protests have spread to key cities, including Rabat, Casablanca, and Tangier, with reports of police stations being burned.
The protests resemble those seen in other countries like Nepal, Indonesia, and Madagascar, where public dissatisfaction led to significant political changes.
As the turmoil continues, an official statement from Morocco's governing coalition expresses a willingness to engage in dialogue with the youth to find tangible solutions.
