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Boosting Youth Engagement: “Rebuilding Trust and Establishing a New Morocco”
In light of the rapid transformations occurring in the Moroccan political landscape, Nizar Baraka, Secretary General of the Istiqlal Party, emphasized that youth engagement is no longer an option but a pressing necessity to ensure the continuity of the national democratic and social project. This statement was made during his oversight of a reception ceremony for the first cohort of youth enrolled in the Istiqlal Academy, an initiative aimed at training a new generation of political party competencies.
Baraka stressed that the Istiqlal Party, as a historical actor in Moroccan political life, recognizes the importance of renewing its political discourse to align with the aspirations of emerging generations. He explained that the party is betting on the potential of youth to reshape its vision and future outlook. He highlighted that the interventions of these young individuals during the meeting reflect an advanced political awareness and the beginnings of a new discourse capable of bringing about the desired change.
In this context, Baraka urged young people to overcome their fear of political participation, noting that the prevalent hesitation primarily stems from the discouraging rhetoric that dominates certain digital spaces. This, according to him, has contributed to a decline in citizens’ trust in political action and opened the door for less qualified individuals to take on positions of responsibility.
The Secretary General asserted that mobilizing youth should not be limited to restoring trust in political institutions but must also extend to their actual involvement in shaping the future societal project, considering them partners in change and committed citizens concerned about the future of the nation. He also praised the strong desire expressed by new members to contribute to building a “Morocco of competencies,” viewing this involvement as a significant step towards renewing the political elite.
He indicated that the Istiqlal Academy is not merely a training space but a platform to enhance youth participation in drafting electoral programs and preparing for upcoming electoral challenges, both at local and professional levels. Baraka emphasized that the party seeks, through this initiative, to develop its organizational and intellectual mechanisms in complete harmony with the social and political transformations taking place in the kingdom.
Baraka reiterated that the party’s strength lies in its foundational principles established by its early leaders, which makes the Istiqlal project a natural extension of Morocco’s identity, reflecting cultural diversity, a commitment to constitutional monarchy, the establishment of economic and social justice, and moderation in Islamic reference.
The Secretary General expressed concern over the rise of populist discourses that threaten social cohesion and fuel feelings of division and hatred, affirming the necessity of confronting them from a national and rights-based perspective. He also called for the establishment of a culture of conscious and responsible political participation, rather than succumbing to despairing discourses that drain political action of its substance.
On the economic front, Baraka stressed that the Istiqlal Party advocates for an alternative developmental model based on fair wealth distribution and opposing any forms of greed that harm social fabric and undermine growth opportunities. He pointed out that excessive inflation poses a real threat to economic stability, necessitating the adoption of fairer economic policies.
In conclusion, Nizar Baraka announced that the party is in the process of preparing a “National Charter for Youth,” which will serve as a new reference framework for their initiatives within the party, solidifying a gradual path aimed at politically and institutionally qualifying them for effective involvement in public affairs and committed, constructive citizen participation.
