In response to widespread protests led by Morocco’s Generation Z, the royal cabinet announced a significant allocation of nearly $15 billion to the health and education sectors by 2026, marking a 16 percent increase from the previous year. The protests, which have shaken the North African nation, were sparked by the tragic deaths of eight women following C-sections in a public hospital in Agadir, as well as concerns over disproportionate investment in football infrastructure ahead of the 2030 World Cup at the expense of public services. The government also pledged to create over 27,000 jobs in these sectors. However, skepticism remains among experts and the GenZ 212 movement, who question the adequacy of the funds and their implementation. In a statement, the movement urged vigilance, emphasizing the need for anti-corruption measures and transparency. Redouane Amimi, a professor at Mohammed V University, described the allocation as a ‘positive political signal’ but stressed that its impact would be limited without structural reforms. Corruption continues to plague Morocco, with Transparency International ranking it 99th out of 180 countries in its 2024 Corruption Perception Index. Critics argue that the sudden budget announcement appears reactive rather than part of a long-term strategy. Insaf Elouard, a GenZ 212 activist, likened the government’s response to its handling of the Arab Spring protests in 2011, suggesting that superficial reforms may not address systemic issues. The protests have been met with harsh repression, with hundreds of young demonstrators arrested and sentenced to lengthy prison terms. Despite the challenges, the youth-led movement represents a historic generational revolt against the Moroccan regime, driven by demands for meaningful change. While King Mohammed VI has called for reforms and greater social impact, the path forward remains fraught with bureaucratic inefficiencies and regional disparities. Separately, the government has proposed measures to encourage youth participation in politics ahead of next year’s general election. The 2026 draft budget will be presented to parliament next week for detailed discussion.