King Mohammed VI Urges Balanced Coastal Development and Inclusive Growth in Opening Address to Parliament
Rabat, The Gulf Observer: King Mohammed VI on Friday inaugurated Morocco’s new legislative year with a call for stronger measures to protect the country’s coastlines and promote sustainable, inclusive development that reconciles economic growth with environmental preservation.
Delivering his address before members of parliament, the King underscored the importance of implementing the National Coastal Plan and enforcing legislation related to coastal management. He stressed that development in these areas must strike “the necessary balance between the rapid development of these spaces and the need to protect and enhance their assets.”
The monarch described Morocco’s coasts as strategic national assets and a cornerstone for building a “blue economy”—one capable of generating wealth and employment while safeguarding marine ecosystems. He emphasized that preserving coastal integrity is vital not only for environmental reasons but also for sustaining long-term economic prosperity.
King Mohammed VI also urged the government and local authorities to expand rural centers to better manage urban growth and ensure equitable access to essential services in remote areas. Such efforts, he said, would reduce migration pressures toward cities and promote more balanced regional development.
Broader Vision for National Progress
Beyond environmental priorities, the King reiterated his comprehensive vision for Morocco’s development, calling for greater coordination and efficiency between parliament and the government. He emphasized that national progress depends on “integrity, commitment, and selflessness” from all political, institutional, and civic actors.
The King’s address came at a sensitive time marked by heightened public expectations and youth-led demonstrations, notably the recent Gen Z 212 protests, which have amplified calls for accountability, improved healthcare, quality education, and greater social justice.
Acknowledging these sentiments, King Mohammed VI reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening local development, improving social services, and ensuring fairer opportunities across Morocco’s regions.
He outlined several national priorities, urging policymakers to focus on supporting local economic initiatives, creating employment opportunities for youth, improving education and healthcare, and upgrading territorial infrastructure.
“These programs should focus, in particular, on key priority issues we have identified, foremost among them: promoting local initiatives and economic activities, creating job opportunities for youth, improving education and health sectors, and upgrading territorial infrastructure,” the King stated.
The monarch’s speech reaffirmed Morocco’s long-term commitment to a development model rooted in sustainability, equity, and cohesion—seeking to ensure that economic progress advances hand in hand with environmental stewardship and social justice.
