PROVINCE REPORT
RABAT: King Mohammed VI of Morocco has called for a “real turning point” in the country’s economic and social development, urging reforms to strengthen economic sovereignty, create jobs, improve public services and promote social and territorial justice.
The King, accompanied by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, Prince Moulay Rachid and Prince Moulay Ahmed, addressed Parliament on Friday, October 9, at the opening of the first session of the first legislative year of the 12th Parliament.
He outlined priorities for the new parliamentary and government mandate, stressing the need to balance economic growth with social justice and ensure that development benefits all regions of the Kingdom.
On the economic front, King Mohammed VI called for new strategies to strengthen water, energy and food security, industrial development, the digital economy and artificial intelligence. He also emphasised the importance of building strategic reserves of essential commodities to protect Morocco against supply disruptions and international economic uncertainties.
The King urged the private sector to play a stronger role in economic transformation, investment, exports and job creation, calling for greater innovation and entrepreneurship.
Highlighting the importance of young people, he said youth-related issues should remain at the forefront of public policies. He stressed the need for equal opportunities in education, skills development and employment to enable young people to build their futures with freedom, dignity and stability.
The Sovereign also identified advanced regionalization and administrative deconcentration as major priorities, calling for the removal of bureaucratic obstacles, the transfer of powers to regional and provincial authorities, and the provision of adequate human and financial resources. He stressed that public services and development initiatives must respond to the specific needs of local communities.
Reaffirming his pride in Morocco’s national identity, history and cultural diversity, King Mohammed VI said national pride should inspire citizens to fulfil their responsibilities and contribute to the country’s progress. He also reminded parliamentarians that their mandate represents a political commitment and a moral responsibility towards citizens.
Addressing migration, the King acknowledged the results achieved through cooperation with international partners, particularly neighbouring Spain, in combating irregular migration. However, he called for a more practical, balanced and sustainable framework for international cooperation, noting that existing arrangements faced limitations in addressing recurring migration challenges.
He also highlighted difficulties surrounding the repatriation of minors and individuals whose asylum claims are rejected, warning that gaps in migration management could be exploited by criminal networks.
The King urged Morocco and its international partners to develop fairer and more effective cooperation mechanisms that respect the responsibilities and interests of all parties while addressing shared challenges.
The royal address set out a broad agenda for the new parliamentary term, focusing on economic competitiveness, youth empowerment, regional development, effective governance and stronger international cooperation.
