King Mohammed VI calls for Reforms to Morocco’s Development Strategy

By African Bulletin on July 29, 2018

King Mohammed VI addressed his nation on Sunday evening in a formal speech delivered from Al Hoceima city, in northern Morocco.

The King expressed his concern over persisting socio-economic disparities that are disturbing Morocco’s efforts in development and urged citizens to work together to improve social issues.

On the eve of his 19th Throne Day, King Mohammed VI expressed that he is giving special attention to social issues—echoing previous statements that he has made about disparities between the socio-economic classes.

Despite the progress that has been made in Morocco, the King expressed his non-satisfaction since he “cannot but feel that something has been missing in the social domain.”

The monarch sought to reassure Moroccan citizens that their complaints have been heard.

A call for contributions to society and social well-being

The King urged citizens to work together with the government to improve society and social well-being.

“We shall continue to work actively and resolutely in this field and seek to identify and to address weaknesses together,” he stated.

Evoking his speech at the state opening of Parliament, the King criticized Morocco’s development strategy. The current strategy, he said, has failed to meet the needs of citizens and consequently requires urgent reform. Morocco’s development strategy has long been among the most important issues raised by King Mohammed VI in his speeches.

King Mohammed said, “It does not make much sense for more than a hundred social welfare programs of varying sizes to be spread out among several ministries and public agencies, with billions of dirhams earmarked for them.”

The King blamed a lack of “proper coordination” between operators for creating the situation. He added that citizens cannot benefit from these programs if they do not efficiently meet their needs.

“I am not criticizing just for the sake of it. In fact, I consider self-criticism to be a virtue and a healthy phenomenon, so long as words are coupled with deeds and with reform,” he said.

The King called upon government officials to step up and take concrete measures by “restructuring national social welfare programs and policies and submitting proposals for evaluation.”

He also urged the government to reinforce social dialogue, stating that it is “necessary and it should be an ongoing process.” Furthermore, he said, the cabinet should meet more frequently with trade unions, “regardless of the potential outcome of that dialogue.”

Unemployment a chronic concern

Unemployment is a major concern that the government should address, according to the sovereign.

The King stated that citizens can be provided with a more dignified lifestyle and social protection if more jobs and opportunities are offered to them. However, this cannot happen without investment and support for the nation’s producing sector.

The King recommended that the government adopt measures to implement an administrative decentralization plan no later than the end of October. The plan, according to the King, “should” enable the officials to make more effective decisions and implement development programs to help combat social issues.

He also calls for the government to adopt a new investment plan and reform regional investment centers.

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