Morocco says it has ‘heard’ Gen Z protesters as it fast-tracks reforms and tackles economic legislation

Morocco’s government said on Thursday it has “clearly heard” the grievances voiced by the youth-led “Gen Z” protest movement and remains open to dialogue, while pressing ahead with accelerated reforms in health, education, and employment.

Government spokesman Mustapha Baitas told reporters after the weekly cabinet meeting that the administration had been “clear and transparent from the start” in responding to the movement’s demands. “The government listened to these young people and engaged seriously,” he said. “But dialogue, as you know, requires both sides to be present.”

Baitas added that while the government awaits the right conditions for direct talks, it is “working at high speed” to implement key reforms. He cited a series of high-level meetings held this week to advance policy delivery in employment and social services. “We have captured the message, mobilized the available means, and are studying existing gaps to address them,” he said. “We hope the other side will soon engage so that we can discuss solutions collectively.”

On institutional accountability, Baitas underscored that cabinet members are constitutionally bound to attend parliamentary sessions and committee hearings. “This obligation cannot be delegated or waived,” he said, announcing that the first autumn parliamentary session will be held Monday, attended by the ministers of education and higher education. King Mohammed VI will preside over the official opening of Parliament on Friday, presenting the government’s midterm performance report.

Baitas also confirmed the government’s approval of a bill amending Morocco’s 1995 Commercial Code to tackle the persistent issue of bounced checks, a problem he described as “a major economic and social concern.” Citing Bank Al-Maghrib figures showing 30 million check transactions worth 1.3 trillion dirhams in 2024, he said the reform seeks to “restore confidence in checks as a payment instrument.”

The bill lowers fines for settling unpaid checks from 25 percent to 2 percent of their value, introduces reconciliation at all judicial stages, and allows offenders 30 day,extendable once,to provide funds before facing legal action.