YOUTH-LED demonstrators clashed with police and blocked the highway over the weekend in some of Morocco’s largest anti-government protests for 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 its struggling health care system and government investments in the lead-up to the 2030 FIFA World Cup, shouting slogans including: “Stadiums are here, but where are the hospitals?”

Morocco is building at least three new stadiums, as well as renovating or expanding at least half a dozen others, while preparing to co-host the event. It will also host the Africa Cup of Nations later this year.

Police disrupted protests in several cities, including Rabat and Marrakech and arrested demonstrators, including in Casablanca, a local reporter witnessed.

Over the last decade, protests in Morocco have often centred on regional inequities and the government’s priorities in Rabat. 

The Moroccan Association for Human Rights said that more than 120 people were arrested over the weekend and transferred to police stations, adding that the arrests “confirm the crackdown on free voices and restriction of the right to freedom of expression.”