GenZ 212, the Moroccan youth group leading nationwide protests, on Friday demanded the removal of the government after demonstrations turned violent following police action.

On Wednesday, security forces opened fire on protesters in Leqliaa, a small town near the coastal city of Agadir, leaving three people dead. The Interior Ministry said they were shot while trying to seize police weapons.

According to AFP, anger on the streets first erupted last month after eight pregnant women died at a public hospital in Agadir.

The tragedy sparked wider protests as demonstrators called for action against deep social inequalities. Members of the Gen Z movement have also accused the authorities of widespread corruption that hurts ordinary citizens.

Associated Press reported that protesters have been drawing sharp contrasts, pointing to billions of dollars being poured into preparations for the 2030 World Cup while schools and hospitals remain underfunded and in dire condition.

“Health care first, we don’t want the World Cup," has become one of the most common chants heard this week.

Protesters are also demanding that the government be dismissed under a constitutional article that “grants His Majesty the King the power to appoint and dismiss the Prime Minister and members of the government".

GenZ 212 has largely used the online platform Discord to mobilise support and has repeatedly stressed that it does not endorse the violence or vandalism seen in some cities.

Although Morocco’s King holds the highest authority, protests often target the government responsible for carrying out his agenda. On Thursday, hundreds of demonstrators called on King Mohammed VI to step in, chanting “The people want to topple Akhannouch".

In his first public statement since the unrest began, Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch said his government was willing to “engage in dialogue" and “respond to the (protesters’) demands".

He also acknowledged that three people were killed during the protests the previous night, describing the events as “regrettable" in his address to the nation on Thursday.

Health Minister Amine Tehraoui told parliament on Wednesday that reforms were already underway but admitted they were “still insufficient to close the sector’s gaps".