King Mohammed VI of Morocco delivered his annual Throne Day address to the nation on Tuesday, marking the 26th anniversary of his accession.
In his speech, the Sovereign outlined key priorities for the coming years, emphasizing the need for a “real leap forward” in territorial justice, while celebrating Morocco’s economic advancements, social commitments, and reiterating his consistent call for dialogue with Algeria and commitment to building the Maghreb Union.
The King stressed that there is “no room, today or tomorrow, for Morocco to move forward at two speeds,” urging a “comprehensive upgrading of territorial spaces” and the consolidation of human development. To achieve this, he announced the development of a new generation of regional development programs, focusing on four key priorities: employment, basic social services, sustainable water management, and territorial integration. This vision aligns with the New Development Model adopted in 2021, aiming for a competitive and socially inclusive economy.
King Mohammed VI lauded the Kingdom’s economic resilience despite successive climate and geopolitical crises. He highlighted a doubling of industrial exports since 2014, particularly in strategic sectors such as automotive, aeronautics, renewable energy, and agri-food.
Social progress and electoral reforms
The monarch also pointed to significant social progress, noting that the multidimensional poverty rate has fallen from 11.9 percent in 2014 to 6.8 percent in 2024, according to the latest census. Morocco has now crossed the threshold into countries with “high human development” by international criteria. However, King Mohammed VI acknowledged that “certain areas, especially rural areas, still suffer from forms of poverty and insecurity,” calling for accelerated efforts to ensure effective spatial justice.
On the institutional front, the Sovereign instructed the government to finalize the revision of the Electoral Code before the end of the year in preparation for the legislative elections scheduled for 2026. He also directed the Minister of the Interior to initiate political consultations with various parties to ensure a “fair, transparent, and consistent with democratic standards” electoral process.
Diplomatic outreach and Sahara stance
A notable diplomatic aspect of the speech was King Mohammed VI’s renewed commitment to rapprochement with Algeria. He affirmed that the Algerian people are a “brotherly people,” linked to Morocco by “language, religion, geography, and a common destiny.” He called for “frank, responsible, and sincere dialogue” with Algiers and expressed regret at the persistent rift between the two countries, reiterating his consistent “outstretched hand” to overcome the current situation.
Furthermore, the King welcomed the growing international support for the autonomy proposal for the Moroccan Sahara, specifically acknowledging the recent “constructive positions” of the United Kingdom and Portugal. He described this proposal as the “one and only solution” to the regional dispute, emphasizing its alignment with national sovereignty and commitment to a consensual solution where “there are neither winners nor losers.”
The address concluded with a solemn tribute to the security forces and the nation’s martyrs, reinforcing the spiritual and patriotic foundations uniting the country.
MK/ac/Sf/fss/abj/APA