A Review of the Throne Speech: The King Shapes the Features of a New Morocco Without Disparities or Forgotten Regions
The speech delivered by King Mohammed VI on the occasion of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Throne Day was laden with a coherent strategic vision, framing the trajectory of Morocco in its upcoming phase, while reiterating the deep foundations upon which the experience of political, social, and economic modernization has been built since His Majesty ascended the throne. The address was not merely an exhibition of accomplishments but a clear invitation to a new leap in the perception of the state and its spaces. It affirms that Morocco is not just managing the present; it is confidently and clearly crafting the future.
From this perspective, the King highlighted the key economic indicators that bolster Morocco’s status as an emerging nation. He emphasized that the progress achieved was not coincidental, but the result of sound developmental choices and institutional stability that has lasted a quarter-century. This progress has been especially evident in the industrial revival witnessed in the Kingdom, where exports have doubled since 2014, and vital sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and renewable energy have developed into strategic pillars of the national economy.
The achievements extended beyond mere figures and growth; they encompassed major structural projects including infrastructure, transportation, and energy connectivity. His Majesty pointed to the launch of the high-speed train extension, alongside programs related to water security and food sovereignty, reflecting a royal awareness that development cannot be complete without an integrated vision linking production and decent living.
However, as is customary in his approach to progress, the King did not overlook the other side of the picture. He candidly expressed that development holds no significance unless it directly impacts citizens’ lives. Hence, the strong indication that growth indicators are insufficient if spatial disparities persist, particularly in rural and marginalized areas. The King’s speech drew a clear line between an old model and a new model of development, one based on spatial justice and equal opportunities.
In this context, His Majesty called for the launch of a new generation of territorial development programs, grounded in advanced regionalization and integration between regions. These programs, as he clarified, should transcend traditional sectoral approaches and move towards a comprehensive spatial approach, focusing on enhancing local capabilities, boosting employment, ensuring fairness in health and education services, and smart water resource management. This approach practically embodies a royal will to build a Morocco that moves forward with a single stride rather than two speeds.
The linkage between development and space was not isolated from the political dimension, as the speech emphasized the need for early preparations for the upcoming legislative elections, ensuring clarity in the legal framework governing them before the end of the year. This message reflects a royal commitment to strengthening institutions, solidifying democratic credibility, and preemptively addressing challenges to boost citizens’ trust in the political process.
Given Morocco’s regional positioning forms part of its strategic approach, His Majesty dedicated a significant portion of the speech to relations with Algeria, renewing his sincere call for dialogue and openness, affirming that the Algerian people remain a brotherly nation bound by history and a shared fate with Morocco. The royal invitation was not merely formal; it stemmed from a clear belief that overcoming differences is possible and that building a larger and more effective Morocco cannot be achieved without mutual and realistic engagement.
Similarly, the issue of the Moroccan Sahara was not neglected in the speech, as the King expressed his satisfaction with the growing international support for the autonomy initiative, praising the explicit positions of several major countries, such as the United Kingdom and Portugal, that joined the long list of nations supporting the Kingdom’s territorial integrity. This diplomatic accumulation is inseparable from the calm and firm leadership with which Morocco manages this file, far from tension or maneuvering.
At the conclusion of his high speech, His Majesty expressed pride in all components of the security and military forces, commending their dedication under his leadership, and invoking with reverence the pure spirits of the martyrs, particularly the late Mohammed V and Hassan II, in a gesture of loyalty that reinforces the continuity of the state and the spirit of responsibility that governs its relationship with citizens.
Thus, the Throne Day speech was not merely a celebratory moment but an exceptional political and social document reflecting the maturity of the Moroccan state under a royal leadership that blends realism with ambition, placing people at the heart of every transformation in policies and challenges. The speech reiterates that the Moroccan project is not a reaction to crises but a rational construction for a more just and inclusive future, rooted in a state that knows what it wants and how to achieve it.
