On Sunday, October 4, 2026, the National Coordination of Employees and Workers subjected to flexible hours staged a national protest in front of the Moroccan Parliament in Rabat. The demonstration was against the imposition of financial fees on students who are employees or workers registered in the part-time system at public universities. Protesters demanded free higher education for all students, regardless of their employment status, and rejected the idea of making continued education contingent on payment.
The protesters expressed concerns that the fees exacerbate the financial and social burdens on student employees, hindering their academic progress. They called for the provision of scholarships and financial support to continue their studies and research. The protesters also demanded a fair and immediate solution for those affected by the implementation of these fees. Their demands were directed at the newly appointed Head of Government, Fatima Zahra El Mansouri.
The National Coordination reminded El Mansouri of a pledge she made during the electoral campaign to abolish the fees imposed on employees and workers who wish to pursue higher education. The pledge was made by her party, which she now leads, during the electoral campaign in Ben Guerir. The protesters pointed out that the issue of fees dates back to the government of Aziz Akhannouch and that a minister from her party was behind the imposition of these fees.
This protest is an extension of previous demonstrations, including a national stand in front of the Parliament on August 23, 2026, and another in front of the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation on September 9. The fees are based on Article 81 of Law No. 59.24, which allows higher education institutions to organize paid training programs within this system.
The imposition of fees began in the 2025-2026 academic year and has prevented several students from registering and continuing their studies. The protesters' movement has been supported by several unions and human rights organizations, which have emphasized that free education is a national right. The protesters are now wondering if the pledge made during the electoral campaign will be fulfilled.
The newly appointed Head of Government, Fatima Zahra El Mansouri, faces pressure to address the concerns of student employees and workers. Her party had promised to abolish the fees during the electoral campaign, and the protesters are now calling on her to honor this pledge. The issue has sparked a national debate about access to higher education and the role of the government in supporting students.
The protest reflects a broader issue in Morocco regarding access to education and the financial burden on students. The government's response to the protesters' demands will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for future policies on education and social welfare. The protesters have vowed to continue their movement until their demands are met.
Key points
- The protesters are demanding free higher education for all students, regardless of their employment status.
- The imposition of fees has prevented several students from registering and continuing their studies.
- The protesters are calling on the Head of Government, Fatima Zahra El Mansouri, to honor her party's pledge to abolish the fees.
