The GenZ 212 protests have pushed the government out of its silence. A communication campaign highlighting the executive's achievements and unveiling new financial commitments has been launched as the youth movement continues to call for Aziz Akhannouch's resignation. The appearance of Minister Mustapha Baitas on Al Aoula on Tuesday evening was part of this effort. In response to the Generation Z (GenZ212) protests, the government of Aziz Akhannouch has taken on a crisis-management posture, sending its ministers to official media platforms in an effort to calm tensions. On Tuesday, October 7, Mustapha Baitas, Minister Delegate in charge of Relations with Parliament and Civil Society and the government spokesperson, appeared on Al Aoula to address the situation. During the interview, Baitas dismissed any notion of discord within the ruling coalition, comprising the RNI, PAM, and Istiqlal, claiming there was «perfect harmony». He downplayed the «differences of opinion» that the youth-led demonstrations have brought to the surface. His remarks came after recent criticism from Nizar Baraka, Secretary General of Istiqlal, on 2M, and from Fatima-Zahra Mansouri, the PAM's national coordinator, who had both acknowledged tensions within the majority. Baitas defended the government's handling of the protests, insisting that there had been «no delay» in responding to the movement, despite the absence of an official statement in the first days of demonstrations across several cities. «We reviewed the demands on Saturday and Sunday (September 27 and 28) and met on Monday to provide our response. We remain open to dialogue with the youth», he said, recalling that the government had «successfully engaged in dialogue with teaching and health unions». A 14 billion dirham program announced Addressing the protestors' demands, Baitas announced an «acceleration of social projects covering health, education, and employment», adding that «tomorrow, the head of government will chair a meeting to launch a 14 billion dirham program». «We have understood the message», he affirmed. The government spokesperson also defended the Akhannouch administration's record, highlighting budget increases for the Ministry of Health (from 19 to 32 billion dirhams) and National Education (from 29 to 54 billion dirhams). However, he acknowledged that these increases «have not had an immediate effect» on citizens, citing «the accumulation of old problems» and emphasizing that «reforms take time». The remark implicitly shifted part of the responsibility to previous governments, some of which included the RNI itself. Baitas expressed hope that the current coalition would «continue its mandate» until the 2026 legislative elections, despite the GenZ212 movement's call for Akhannouch's resignation. Following King Mohammed VI's opening of the new parliamentary session on Friday, October 10, the government is expected to present its 2026 finance bill, the last of its mandate, widely seen as a test of its ability to send a strong social and economic message amid growing public discontent.
