King Mohammed VI Calls for Enhanced Coordination Between State and Regions
In a significant address during the opening of the newly formed Moroccan Parliament, King Mohammed VI underscored the importance of establishing effective relationships between the state and regional entities. He highlighted the need for mechanisms that facilitate coordination and contractual agreements, empowering regional bodies to make decisions and implement projects effectively. In light of the rapid global shifts in geoeconomic dynamics, the king affirmed Morocco's commitment to embarking on a new wave of reforms and major projects, driven by a clear vision aimed at advancing the nation's development agenda.
Accelerating Infrastructure Projects and Fostering Innovation
During his speech on Friday, which marked the commencement of parliamentary activities with 395 newly elected members from the September 23 election, King Mohammed VI called for the expedited execution of planned infrastructure projects. He emphasized the necessity of launching a new generation of strategic initiatives across various sectors, including water, energy, and food security, as well as promoting industry, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence. Furthermore, he urged the Moroccan private sector to evolve into a strategic player in the country's developmental transformation, advocating for greater initiative, innovation, and capacity to create jobs, invest, and export.
The king also stressed prioritizing youth issues within public policies and governance frameworks. He proposed a comprehensive approach that ensures equal opportunities, covering education, vocational training, and economic integration. This initiative aims to bolster the youth's confidence in their potential for social advancement and their trust in national institutions, thus providing them with the means to build a brighter future characterized by freedom, dignity, and stability.
Addressing the challenges at the regional level, King Mohammed VI stated that the real challenge for the upcoming phase lies in grassroots actions that identify and address the genuine issues faced by different areas. He noted that promoting integrated development, enhancing public services, and stimulating productive investment are closely linked to the advanced regionalization process and the activation of administrative decentralization, which involves delegating administrative powers from the central government to regional branches. The king pointed out that delays and inconsistencies have hindered the effective implementation of decentralization, negatively impacting economic and social development programs and obstructing responsiveness to citizens' real concerns.
Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, he declared that any further delay in fully activating the decentralization charter, which necessitates the transfer of necessary powers, human resources, and financial resources from the center to the regions, is unacceptable. He called for an end to the obstacles that still impede regional institutions, particularly by clarifying competencies and increasing their human and material resources.
King Mohammed VI expressed hope that the new legislative and governmental term would mark a genuine turning point in Morocco's ambition to emerge as a reliable and rising economic power, balancing economic growth with social and regional justice. He asserted that Morocco has solidified its international standing as a responsible and trustworthy partner, committed to fulfilling its obligations while expecting the same from its partners. He pointed out that the balanced approach adopted by the country in managing migration has yielded tangible results. However, he acknowledged the need for a reevaluation of the current cooperation model, which has become outdated, as evidenced by recurring crises.
Moreover, he noted that Morocco's cooperation with neighboring Spain has evolved significantly across various domains, including combating illegal immigration. Still, this collaboration faces substantial challenges related to outdated legal provisions and court decisions that hinder the deportation of unaccompanied minors and individuals posing as refugees, thereby fueling the ambitions of criminal networks. In response to irresponsible statements and blatant exploitation by certain political and media circles, the king reiterated that partnership is a sovereign choice and a voluntary commitment that will never be subject to pressure, threats, or coercion. He announced that Morocco would present its partners with a document outlining a clear and practical strategic vision to establish a new direction that fosters joint development, economic competitiveness, and regional stability.
As reported by alquds.co.uk.
