Podcast Summary

Podcast: Hoy por Hoy
Episode: La mirada | Najat El Hachmi: "Esperanzadora juventud marroquí"
Date: October 9, 2025
Host: Àngels Barceló

Main Theme

This episode of Hoy por Hoy centers on the resilience, activism, and challenges facing Moroccan youth. Through the commentary of Najat El Hachmi, the episode explores common stereotypes about Morocco, the reality of social movements, and the broader European and economic context that inhibits true progress. The narrative offers a hopeful view of young Moroccans demanding change while making a parallel to youth issues in Spain, especially relating to social spending priorities.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Mobilization of Moroccan Youth ([00:08])

• Recognition of Activism: Moroccan youth are actively mobilizing against an entrenched regime, showing remarkable courage in the face of adversity.
• Generational Demand: These young people demand essential rights—education, work, healthcare, and a dignified future—not superficial gains like mega sporting events.
• "Lección de valentía": The mobilization is presented as a lesson in bravery for all, challenging the passive narrative often assigned to Moroccan society.

2. Challenging Stereotypes about Moroccan Society

• Misconceptions of Passivity: There’s a prevailing “tópico” that portrays Moroccans as submissive subjects ("súbditos"), generally accepting the domination of the monarchy and elite ("Mahdén").
• Reality of Resistance: A historical overview reveals that protests and social uprisings are the norm in Morocco rather than the exception; however, brutal repression has often successfully erased collective memory of past resistance.
• Quote [00:45]:

  "El tópico sobre Marruecos dibuja una ciudadanía... sumisa y conforme con la dominación... A menudo se confunde al pueblo con su verdugo."

3. International Complicity in Maintaining the Regime

• Western Support: The persistence of the Moroccan dictatorship isn’t solely because of its own strengths but is strongly backed by Western powers prioritizing regional "stability."
• Corporate Exploitation: European companies also bear responsibility, taking advantage of reduced labor rights to exploit Moroccan workers.
• Quote [01:18]:

  "La dictadura de Mohamed VI se mantiene no es sólo por mérito propio, sino que la apuntalan no pocas potencias occidentales..."

4. The Cost of "Stability" for Moroccan Youth

• Trade-offs: The supposed "stability" comes at a high cost, especially for young people who often see emigration as their only option for a better life.
• Quote [01:39]:

  "El problema es que esa suculenta estabilidad es siempre a costa de una juventud que merece otra salida que no sea la de emigrar."

5. Parallels with Spain and Broader Social Critique

• Spanish Context: The segment invites reflection on Spain: Young Spaniards, too, are encouraged to challenge the status quo, especially regarding disproportionate public spending on events like football while access to housing diminishes.
• Memorable Call to Action [00:25]:

  "Ojalá también esas generaciones que en España envidian a los viejos por cobrar pensiones, digan basta y salgan a gritar en contra de destinar esas ingentes cantidades de dinero al fútbol, mientras que una vivienda digna está cada vez al alcance de menos personas."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Repression of Memory ([00:58]):

  "La represión ha sido tan brutal que ha borrado incluso la memoria de esas sublevaciones."
  (Highlighting the erasure of collective memory through state violence)

• On Western Hypocrisy ([01:21]):

  "...potencias occidentales que dicen valorar la estabilidad de la región, a lo cual también contribuyen las empresas que explotan a los marroquíes..."
  (Critique of Western countries and corporates profiting from "stability")

Key Segment Timestamps

• [00:08] – Introduction and overview of youth demands in Morocco
• [00:25] – Parallel to Spanish youth and critique of social spending
• [00:45] – Debunking the stereotype of a passive Moroccan society
• [00:58] – Impact of repression on social memory
• [01:18-01:39] – Analysis of international support and consequences for Moroccan youth

Conclusion

With insight and clear-eyed critique, the episode navigates the intersection of generational struggle, international power dynamics, and the enduring hope of Moroccan youth. Najat El Hachmi’s perspective urges listeners in Spain and beyond to challenge dominant narratives, recognize shared social challenges, and support real change for those denied opportunities in the name of stability.