King Mohammed VI Demands New Migration Cooperation Framework
On October 9, 2026, during the opening of the new legislative session in Rabat, King Mohammed VI of Morocco declared that the current model of migration cooperation with European partners, particularly Spain, has reached its limits and requires a fundamental reevaluation. The monarch criticized the existing legal barriers that hinder repatriations and dismissed political pressure and threats directed at his country. In his address to the newly elected parliament, he announced a new strategic partnership concept and called for comprehensive reforms in Morocco's economy, administration, and social policies.
In his speech, King Mohammed VI raised questions about the effectiveness of previous collaborations in migration policy with European partners, emphasizing that while Morocco has achieved concrete results through its balanced approach, the existing cooperation model has faced significant challenges amid recurring crises. The King specifically referenced Spain, noting that while bilateral relations have evolved in numerous areas, including the fight against irregular migration, the partnership now encounters considerable difficulties.
Addressing Legal and Political Challenges
The King expressed concern over outdated legal provisions and court rulings that do not reflect the current realities, complicating the repatriation of minors and individuals whom he claimed were unjustly claiming refugee status. He highlighted that such legal frameworks inadvertently benefit criminal smuggling networks. Furthermore, he criticized political and media actors for allegedly exploiting the migration issue for their own agendas, underscoring that partnership in this realm should be a sovereign decision based on voluntary commitment, free from any form of coercion or threats.
Against the backdrop of ongoing tensions between Morocco and Spain regarding the management of irregular migration and the return of undocumented individuals, King Mohammed VI announced that Morocco would present its partners with a strategic document outlining a new direction for cooperation, focusing on three key areas: joint economic development, international competitiveness, and regional stability. This approach aims to explicitly link migration policy with a broader economic and political partnership.
The monarch emphasized Morocco's established position as a reliable partner that fulfills its commitments and expects corresponding treatment from other nations. Although he did not provide specific proposals for restructuring existing repatriation agreements, new negotiation formats, or timelines for the forthcoming document, he articulated extensive expectations for the new government and parliament. He urged Morocco to solidify its status as an emerging economic power, advocating for a stronger connection between economic growth and social justice, as well as more balanced regional development.
Moreover, King Mohammed VI called for a 'new generation of state strategies,' identifying critical areas such as water, energy, and food security, industrial development, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence. He also demanded accelerated establishment of strategic reserves and improved security in the supply of essential goods. The private sector was urged to enhance investments and export capacities, create new jobs, and play a more significant role in the national economic development.
A significant focus was placed on the youth population, with the King stressing the need to better connect education, vocational training, and economic integration. The goal is to improve equality of opportunity and facilitate social mobility for young individuals. Additionally, King Mohammed VI criticized the slow implementation of administrative decentralization, which he noted has hampered economic and social development and hindered the responsiveness to regional needs.
The monarch insisted on the complete implementation of the administrative decentralization charter, emphasizing the need to transfer governmental responsibilities, as well as personnel and financial resources, from the central administration to provinces and regions. "No further delays or postponements regarding the full implementation of the administrative decentralization charter will be tolerated," he stated. He also called for clearer definitions of the responsibilities of regional institutions and an enhancement of their staffing and material resources, alongside binding coordination and agreement mechanisms between the central state and the regions, empowering local authorities to make independent decisions on development projects.
This parliamentary address marks the beginning of the twelfth legislative term following the elections of September 23, 2026. The new composition of the House of Representatives includes changes in the representation of women and younger members, with 107 of the 395 parliamentary seats now held by women, increasing their representation to 27.1% from 96 in the previous term. The number of younger representatives has also risen, with those under 35 now making up 9.37% compared to 8.35% in the last legislative term.
Among the first major tasks for the new parliament will be the discussion of the 2027 budget law, focusing on the financing of social programs, job creation, and reducing regional development disparities. Following the elections, political negotiations are underway to form the new government, with parliament needing to establish its leadership and internal committees before resuming its regular legislative and oversight activities.
As reported by fokus-afrika.de.
