Some aggrieved citizens in Morocco have taken to the streets to express their frustration over the country’s massive investment in sporting infrastructure ahead of the 2030 World Cup.
The North African country is undertaking major infrastructure improvements as one of the host nations for the tournament.
As part of the preparations, Morocco are constructing one of the largest football stadiums in the world, with a capacity of 115,000. The government has committed $5 billion (£3.7 billion) to fund these projects.
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In response, some Moroccans have opposed the move, accusing the government of not prioritizing important sectors of the economy.
During the protest, demonstrators were heard chanting, “No World Cup, health comes first. We want hospitals, not football stadiums.”
Several protesters expressed anger over the poor healthcare system, which they say has endangered the lives of their loved ones. They called on the government to prioritise health infrastructure.
“We are making reasonable, basic demands. Health and education are necessities that should already be prioritized. It breaks my heart to see young, educated, and peaceful people faced with arbitrary arrests,” one woman told the BBC.
“This government has been abusing its power for too long. My father had a stroke recently. If we didn’t have some savings to get him treated in a private hospital, he would’ve died. What am I gaining from a country that doesn’t provide healthcare for my aging parents or educate me?” Hakim lamented.
Another protester, Belhassan, criticised the arrests made during the demonstrations: “We are not a political movement. We have no leader. Maybe that’s why the police were arresting people, and why the government remained silent because, in their eyes, we didn’t follow the traditional path of organizations and political parties.”
Meanwhile, Morocco’s Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, has stated that he is open to dialogue on the matter to find a resolution.
SB/JE
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