“No Place for a Two-Speed Morocco”: His Majesty King Mohammed VI Puts Human Capital at the Heart of National Transformation

By Karima Rhanem, Senior Global Managing Editor

Each year, the celebration of the Glorious Throne Day stands as a solemn reaffirmation of the enduring bond between the Throne and the people. It is not simply an anniversary, but a moment of national reflection and strategic orientation. In His Speech to the Nation on the occasion of the 26th anniversary of His Accession to the Throne, His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God Assist Him, delivered a message of unity, determination, and forward vision. He presented a candid balance of Morocco’s achievements, remaining challenges, and a clear roadmap for inclusive and cohesive development.

At the heart of the Speech was a clear and resolute call to address social and territorial disparities. His Majesty’s declaration—“It is not acceptable for Morocco – today or at any time in the future – to be a two-speed country”—was a powerful affirmation of the principle that national progress must be both shared and equitable. This vision affirms that the strength of Morocco lies in the unity of its development path, not in segmented or uneven growth.

His Majesty began by underlining that Morocco’s accomplishments—industrial expansion, economic resilience, and infrastructure modernization—are the result of deliberate policy choices and long-term planning. Sectors such as the automotive, aviation, renewable energy, agri-food, and tourism industries were highlighted as vital levers for investment and job creation. Morocco’s integration into global trade networks—reaching nearly three billion consumers—was also presented as a major asset resulting from a coherent international economic policy.

However, the core of the message was not purely economic. His Majesty placed the Moroccan citizen at the center of all policy efforts. He made it clear that infrastructure and growth are only meaningful if they directly improve the living conditions of all Moroccans, in every region and from every social class. This reflects a consistent and long-standing approach in His Reign—one that elevates human dignity as the foundation of national development.

Referring to the findings of the 2024 General Population Census, His Majesty welcomed the reduction of multidimensional poverty and Morocco’s advancement to the “high human development” category. Yet, He expressed concern that some regions—particularly in rural areas—continue to suffer from poverty and underdevelopment due to gaps in infrastructure and services. These inequalities, He stated, are not in keeping with the Morocco He envisions.

In response, His Majesty outlined a decisive policy shift: a move from traditional social development models toward integrated regional development. He called for a “quantum leap” in territorial rehabilitation and instructed the government to develop a new generation of development programs rooted in local potential, guided by the principles of advanced regionalization, solidarity, and impact. The aim, as articulated by the Sovereign, is to ensure that “all citizens – in all areas and regions – benefit from the fruits of progress and development, without discrimination or exclusion.”

Institutional integrity was also a priority in the Royal Address. With legislative elections approaching in 2026, His Majesty called for the timely preparation and publication of the legal framework governing the electoral process. He emphasized the importance of inclusive political consultation and transparent preparation—essential steps for reinforcing democratic trust and ensuring stability.

Regionally, the Sovereign reaffirmed Morocco’s openness and longstanding position toward its neighbors, particularly Algeria. He described the Algerian people as “brothers and sisters,” bound to the Moroccan people by language, religion, history, and a shared destiny. His Majesty reiterated His readiness for a sincere and responsible dialogue with Algeria, reaffirming His belief in the unity of Maghreb peoples and the necessity of constructive regional cooperation.

On the national cause, His Majesty expressed pride in the continued international support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as the sole basis for resolving the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara. He welcomed the constructive positions of the United Kingdom and the Portuguese Republic, noting that their support reinforces the growing global consensus. While firmly upholding Morocco’s sovereignty, His Majesty reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to a consensual and realistic solution that preserves the dignity of all parties.

In conclusion, the Throne Day Speech of 2025 conveyed several essential messages. It reaffirmed Morocco’s steady economic trajectory while calling for a greater focus on social justice and territorial equity. It placed human capital—citizens’ dignity, opportunity, and well-being—at the center of the national project. It called for deepened democratic preparation, revived regional unity, and responsible diplomacy rooted in sovereignty and peace. Above all, it reinforced the Royal conviction that no Moroccan and no region should be left behind on the path to progress. Under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco continues to move forward, united in purpose and confident in its future.