Nizar Baraka: Morocco Records a Record Number of Corruption Cases and the Reform Battle Begins with Restoring Values
In recent remarks, Nizar Baraka, Secretary-General of the Istiqlal Party and Minister of Equipment and Water, acknowledged that Morocco has experienced a record number of prosecutions related to corruption over the past four years, involving parliamentarians, elected officials, judges, and civil servants. He noted that this reflects the effectiveness of anti-corruption institutions, while admitting that the phenomenon persists and requires deeper treatment, particularly at the level of values.
During his speech at the Youth Balance Forum, which gathered over 1,500 young people from various regions of the kingdom, Baraka expressed that unfortunately, corruption has increased in some areas, pointing out that “corrupt individuals have come to hold greater social esteem, while commitment to integrity has seen less success.” He called for “restoring genuine ethical and Islamic values, highlighting positive role models worthy of respect, and combating corrupt individuals without supporting them.”
In this context, Baraka affirmed that Moroccan youth represent the “Generation of Conquest,” the generation of construction and leadership, citing the Quranic verse referenced by King Mohammed VI in one of his speeches. He described Morocco as experiencing a “new conquest” phase, transitioning from defense to construction, sovereignty, and innovation. He encouraged youth to engage in leading the development path, keeping pace with the transition towards a green economy, artificial intelligence, and social justice, emphasizing that “today is the time of youth, initiative, not waiting.”
Baraka also stressed the importance of listening to the youth and their proposals, emphasizing that the Youth Charter, which the party is working to formulate, will be based on their ideas and aspirations. He pointed out that the party is open to criticism and accountability by tracking the implementation of its electoral promises and evaluating its actual achievements.
On the economic front, Baraka revealed the formation of a special committee for employment to develop a future vision for the labor market by 2040 amidst technological and economic transformations. He highlighted that the Ministry of Equipment and Water has signed partnership agreements with seven regions concerning roads, water, and ports, as part of promoting advanced regionalization and empowering regions to lead their territorial development.
He indicated that the Regional Health Groups represent a successful model of regionalization in the health sector, with plans tailored to meet the needs of each area. He also announced the upcoming launch of a new fleet of public transport buses with accessibility features allowing all citizens, including those with disabilities, to benefit.
Baraka noted the importance of mental health, highlighting that it does not receive adequate attention in public discussions despite its direct impact on youth, commending its inclusion as a topic at the Youth Balance Forum.
He concluded his address by reaffirming that the slogan of “Equity,” raised by the Istiqlal Party in the 2021 elections, remains central to its political and social vision, stressing the continuous effort to achieve spatial justice and empower youth in building a future Morocco based on dignity and merit.
