The Justice and Development Party (PJD) has officially launched its electoral program for the upcoming 2026 elections during a press conference held in Rabat. Central to this program is a strong emphasis on employment, particularly for the youth, highlighting the pressing issue of over 1.6 million individuals unemployed in 2025 and a staggering youth unemployment rate exceeding 37% for the demographic aged 15 to 24. The PJD argues that Morocco must prioritize 'sustainable growth for employment,' establishing job creation as a critical indicator of economic progress and success.

Strategic Focus on Youth Employment

To combat the alarming rates of unemployment, the PJD has proposed a series of innovative training and retraining initiatives aimed at young people who are currently outside the realms of education or employment. The program not only emphasizes the importance of professional integration but also champions entrepreneurship and self-employment as viable pathways for youth. Furthermore, it identifies digital technology and the green economy as pivotal sectors ripe for job creation, indicating a forward-thinking approach to the evolving job market.

Empowering Small Businesses and Promoting Fair Competition

In an effort to bolster the economic landscape, the PJD seeks to enhance small and medium-sized enterprises' access to public contracts and financing opportunities. The party proposes a strategic alignment of government support and tax incentives with job creation, local purchasing, innovation, and the prompt payment of suppliers. Additionally, the program advocates for reduced corporate tax rates for very small and small businesses that fulfill specific criteria, thereby fostering a supportive environment for entrepreneurial growth. Another significant aspect of the program is its call for stricter competition regulations and enhanced transparency between the state and private enterprises. By introducing higher corporate taxes for sectors characterized by monopoly or oligopoly, the PJD aims to establish a more equitable competitive framework that mitigates unfair advantages in market access and public resource allocation.

Moreover, the program extends its vision of economic reform to encompass vigilant monitoring of prices and the quality of essential food products, alongside measures to curb speculation and revamp wholesale markets. This comprehensive approach, encapsulated in the party's broader philosophy of 'dignity,' underscores the belief that economic policies should not only generate decent jobs but also elevate living standards and enhance citizen access to economic prospects. The PJD's commitment to supporting Moroccan production and promoting economic self-sufficiency in critical sectors such as food, water, energy, and health further illustrates its dedication to fostering a robust and resilient economy. Ultimately, the pivotal question remains whether these ambitious proposals will translate into tangible job creation and improved economic opportunities for the Moroccan populace.

As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.