According to a report by Le Monde on June 12, 2026, the declining role of Spanish in Morocco's public education system has become a contentious issue in Parliament. Teachers and language advocates have expressed concern over a 2025 reform that reduced Spanish instruction hours in middle and high schools, favoring English instead.
The reform, part of a broader overhaul of Morocco's education system, aims to strengthen English proficiency to align with global economic trends. However, critics argue it undermines Morocco's historical and cultural ties with Spain and Latin America. Spanish is currently taught as a second foreign language in about 1,200 public schools, but its hours have been cut by 30% since 2024, according to data from the Ministry of Education cited by Hespress on June 13, 2026.
On June 13, 2026, the opposition party Istiqlal submitted a formal question to the Minister of Education, demanding clarification on the policy's impact. Teacher unions have also staged protests in Rabat and Casablanca, calling for the restoration of Spanish teaching hours. A petition launched by the Association of Spanish Teachers in Morocco has garnered over 15,000 signatures as of June 14, 2026.
In response, the Ministry of Education stated on June 14, 2026, that the reform is part of a gradual transition and that Spanish will remain an option in some schools. However, no timeline for a review has been announced. The debate highlights broader tensions between preserving linguistic heritage and adapting to global demands.
