The value of Mohammed VI

This headline sums up the essence of the Moroccan king's Throne Day speech. At the celebration commemorating the 26th anniversary of his accession to the throne, his speech was much more than a formality. He offered a clear assessment of his country's progress, but also a forceful call and demand to resolve problems.

The message is an unmistakable indication that the economic growth that has brought Morocco stability, security and clear macroeconomic successes must also be equitable, inclusive and transformative. Economic statistics and infrastructure successes mean nothing, he said, if they do not improve the daily lives of ordinary citizens, especially in rural and disadvantaged areas.

Mohammed VI made it clear that this is not only a moral imperative, but also a strategic necessity in a changing global environment where inequality and regional disparities can erode social cohesion and public trust.

The Moroccan king called for a genuine leap forward in territorial policy, moving from conventional state-driven development models to integrated and region-specific strategies.

He urged the government to design public programmes focused on four priorities: boosting local employment and leveraging regional assets, improving access to education and healthcare, managing scarce water resources more sustainably, and aligning local investments with national infrastructure projects.

This is not just about launching ideas; Mohammed VI's message is an imperative to undertake the social and territorial transformation that many Moroccans need and demand, and which is essential to consolidate the progress and modernisation that Morocco has experienced over the last 26 years.

These proposals show the way to improve the management and administration of rural areas and avoid regional tensions.  

The King does not express this as an abstract idea, but as a practical tool to promote the evolution of the development model and an inclusive national transformation.

On the political front, the upcoming elections in 2026 pose a new challenge, and he called for institutional clarity and political preparation, underlining the monarchy's commitment to constitutional continuity and democratic legitimacy. Mohammed VI reiterated his offer of a hand to Algeria to restore relations and, on the Sahara, he highlighted the growing international support for the autonomy plan with a pragmatic approach, such as Morocco's willingness to reach a realistic and consensual solution. A speech for internal reference and external knowledge.