Morocco’s King calls for implementing development model

RABAT - The new legislative term should be the starting point for the implementation of the development model and the launch of an integrated set of next-generation projects and reforms, said Friday King Mohammed VI.

“We should keep in mind, in this regard, that the development model is not a blueprint for development in the traditional, rigid sense of the term. Rather, it is a general framework which is conducive to action, which sets out new standards and which opens up vast horizons for everyone,” the Sovereign pointed out in a speech to the parliament on the occasion of the opening of the first session of the first legislative year of the 11th legislature.

The "National Development Charter" is an important mechanism for the implementation of the development model, in the sense that it involves national obligations before the King and the Moroccan people, the Monarch pointed out.

The development model opens up vast prospects for the work of the government and of parliament – all components included, the king said, adding that the new government is responsible for setting priorities and developing projects during its mandate, in addition to raising the necessary means to finance these projects, within the overall framework for implementing the development model.

“The government is also expected to complete the implementation of the major projects started, especially that of achieving universal access to social protection, which I care deeply about,” the Monarch said.

In this regard, the main challenge is to achieve a real overhaul of the health system, in accordance with the best standards, making sure the public and private sectors complement each other, the Sovereign underlined.

The King stressed that the same logic should be applied in the reform of public institutions as well as in the overhaul and reform of the tax system, an objective that should be achieved as soon as possible, using a new charter that promotes investment.

“At the same time, there must be greater coordination, harmony and synergy between public policies and follow-up to implementation,” said the Sovereign, who called for an in-depth reform of the High Commission for Planning to turn it into a mechanism that assists in the strategic coordination of development policies and ensures follow-up to the implementation of the development model.

The king stressed that the new legislative term started at a time when Morocco is embarking on a new phase which requires concerted efforts centered on strategic priorities.

“This new legislative term starts at a time when Morocco is embarking on a new phase which requires concerted efforts centered on strategic priorities in order to carry on with the mission of promoting development while facing up to external challenges,” the Sovereign pointed out in a speech to the parliament on the occasion of the opening of the 1st session of the 1st legislative year of the 11th legislature.

The Monarch also underlined the need to consolidate Morocco's status and defend its best interests in an environment fraught with challenges, perils and threats.

The COVID-19 crisis has shown that sovereignty issues are, once again, front and center, the King said, adding that each country is striving to preserve sovereignty in various domains, be it in relation to health, energy, industry, food or other sectors.

This situation has led to manifestations of intolerance on the part of some actors, the Sovereign noted.

Whereas Morocco managed to meet its needs and supply markets with basic goods regularly and in sufficient quantities, many countries have grappled with major disruptions in the provision and distribution of these goods, the Monarch stressed.

The Sovereign insisted on the need to set up an integrated national system to manage the strategic reserve stock of essential goods and products, especially in the areas of food, health and energy.

“In this regard, our national needs should be regularly updated in order to enhance the country’s strategic security.”

The Monarch commended the good organization and positive atmosphere in which the recent elections took place.

“I wish, in this regard, to commend the good organization and positive atmosphere in which the recent elections took place, and say how pleased I am with the high voter turnout in these elections, particularly in our southern provinces,” the King said.

The recent elections have confirmed the preeminence of the Moroccan democratic model as well as the principle of rotation in managing state affairs, the Sovereign said.

“What matters most is not the victory of this or that party because, as far as I am concerned, all parties are equal,” the Monarch pointed out.

This legislative term comes at a promising time for the achievement of further progress in our country, said the King.

As members of the government and of parliament - whether you belong to the ruling majority or the opposition - you are responsible, along with all national institutions and forces, for the success of the current phase. You are therefore expected to show a spirit of entrepreneurship and responsible commitment, the Sovereign pointed out.