Young Moroccans clapped and chanted in Morocco’s capital on Thursday, calling for wide-ranging reforms to jobs, housing, health and education.

It marked the 13th day of generation Z-led protests across the country.

The demonstrations began in late September and have spread through major cities including Casablanca, Fez, Marrakech and Rabat.

What began as tense and chaotic confrontations, which left three people dead and hundreds injured, has evolved into more organized and peaceful displays of dissent.

In Rabat, crowds gathered outside Parliament, one day ahead of the autumn legislative session opening, where King Mohammed VI is scheduled to address lawmakers.

Many protesters say they’re hoping the monarch will also speak directly to their generation.

“We are optimistic,” said Anas Walid, a 22-year-old protester. “We say that the king is the highest authority in Morocco. We hope that he will address us.”

Protester Fatima Zahra said the shift in tone shows a generational desire to be heard respectfully. “The protests were peaceful, as we were demanding our rights in general, such as housing, health care and a decent life,” she said.

“These protests may already be starting to show results, especially since the government has acknowledged that it will take our demands into account and work to improve the situation.”

Organizers have called for a pause in demonstrations on Friday, a day typically marked by larger gatherings.

Instead, attention will turn to the king’s speech, seen by many as a potential turning point in addressing the grievances of a generation that feels both sidelined and hopeful.