Morocco, Path Forward: Throne Day Royal Address \ Newslooks \ Washington \ In a landmark address to the Moroccan people on the 26th anniversary of his accession to the throne, His Majesty King Mohammed VI reaffirmed his steadfast commitment to national development, social equity, and regional cooperation, while charting a forward-looking roadmap for the Kingdom’s future.
In his speech, delivered on Tuesday, King Mohammed VI began by reflecting on the symbolic and emotional weight of Throne Day, describing it as an occasion to renew the enduring bond between the Sovereign and the Moroccan people—one rooted in mutual loyalty and evolving national unity.
A Vision for an Emerging Morocco
The King underscored the achievements Morocco has made over the past two and a half decades, emphasizing that progress was not incidental but the result of a strategic, long-term vision. He highlighted Morocco’s evolution into an emerging economy supported by political stability, institutional continuity, and forward-thinking policy choices.
“Morocco is today witnessing an unprecedented industrial renaissance,” the King declared. He pointed to surging exports in key industries—including automotive, aerospace, renewable energy, and food processing—as evidence of the country’s growing global economic stature.
The King also noted that free trade agreements have connected Morocco to a consumer base of nearly three billion people worldwide, cementing the Kingdom’s role as a reliable international partner.
Infrastructure and Human Development: A Dual Focus
While hailing infrastructure advancements—such as the expansion of the high-speed rail line to Marrakech and major projects in water security and energy independence—His Majesty emphasized that the true measure of progress lies in its impact on citizens’ lives.
“I would be satisfied only if our accomplishments contribute, in a tangible manner, to improving the living conditions of citizens from all social classes,” he said.
King Mohammed VI cited positive outcomes from the 2024 General Population Census, including a sharp decline in multidimensional poverty and Morocco’s entry into the “high human development” category. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that disparities remain—particularly in rural areas—and insisted that “it is not acceptable for Morocco… to be a two-speed country.”
To address these challenges, the King called for a paradigm shift in social development, urging the government to adopt “next-generation local development programs” tailored to regional specificities and built on the principles of integration and inter-regional solidarity.
He outlined four key pillars for the next phase:
- Job creation through local economic potential;
- Strengthening basic social services, particularly in health and education;
- Sustainable water resource management;
- Launching integrated local development initiatives aligned with national goals.
Preparing for Legislative Elections
Looking ahead to the next legislative elections, expected in a year’s time, King Mohammed VI stressed the importance of transparency and preparation. He instructed the Minister of Interior to begin political consultations and finalize the electoral framework before the end of the year.
Regional Dialogue and the Sahara Issue
On foreign policy, the King reiterated his openness to sincere and constructive dialogue with Algeria, emphasizing the deep-rooted human, religious, and geographical ties between the two nations. “I have always reached out to our brothers in Algeria,” he said, expressing hope for overcoming the current diplomatic stalemate.
The Monarch also hailed growing international support for Morocco’s Autonomy Initiative as the only viable solution to the Sahara conflict. He extended special thanks to the United Kingdom and Portugal for backing the initiative within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.
King Mohammed VI called for a consensual, face-saving resolution to the conflict—“a solution with neither winner nor loser.”
A Tribute to National Defenders
The King concluded his speech with a heartfelt tribute to Morocco’s armed and security forces for their unwavering service, and to the memory of his grandfather, the late King Mohammed V, and his father, the late King Hassan II.
As Morocco marks more than a quarter-century under King Mohammed VI’s reign, the speech offered both a moment of national pride and a roadmap for inclusive growth, renewed unity, and global engagement.
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