Ex-Moroccan PM urges Gen Z not to disrupt royal speech

CASABLANCA - Abdelilah Benkirane, Secretary-General of the Justice and Development Party (PJD), urged Tuesday the youth-led protest movement "GenZ 212” not to be swayed by what he described as "attempts to disrupt the royal speech" which will be given at the opening of the new parliamentary year on Friday.

The former Prime Minister stated in a video posted on his Facebook page that "I say to the youth, to Generation Z, do not let yourselves be fooled by those who want to disrupt the Royal speech. The King's speech is sacred and must be respected by all Moroccans."

"The Royal speech is the speech of the nation, the Commander of the Faithful, and it is not subject to debate or disruption. We must all listen to it with respect and appreciation," he added.

This statement from Benkirane comes amid growing calls from some activists and social media users to boycott or protest during the royal speech, which they see as an expression of their political positions.

Morocco has been gripped by almost daily protests calling for better education and healthcare besides bringing corrupt people to justice.

Benkirane stressed that the monarchy is the foundation of the nation's unity and stability, and “we must all work to preserve it and show loyalty to it."