Young Moroccans clash with police while protesting stadium spending and health system decline

Youth-led demonstrators clashed with police and blocked the highway over the weekend in some of Morocco’s largest anti-government protests in years, denouncing what they called the government’s misplaced priorities

Youth-led demonstrators clashed with police and blocked the highway over the weekend in some of Morocco’s largest anti-government protests in years, denouncing what they called the government’s misplaced priorities.

Hundreds of young Moroccans took to the streets of at least 11 cities across the North African nation, denouncing corruption and blasting the government for pouring money into international sporting events while neglecting health and education.

They drew a direct link between the country’s struggling health care system and its investments in the lead-up to the 2030 FIFA World Cup, shouting slogans including, “Stadiums are here, but where are the hospitals?”

Moroccan security forces detain a protester during a youth-led demonstration in front of the parliament building in Rabat, on Sunday.Abdel Majid Bziouat / AFP via Getty ImagesMorocco is building at least three new stadiums and renovating or expanding at least half a dozen others, preparing to co-host the event. It will also host the Africa Cup of Nations later this year.

Police in plainclothes and riot gear disrupted protests in several cities, including Rabat and Marrakech, and arrested demonstrators, including in Casablanca, an Associated Press reporter witnessed.