Morocco’s King Puts Youth at Policy Centre

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has urged public institutions to prioritise young people’s needs, including education, employment and economic opportunities, as he opened a new parliamentary session in Rabat.

Youth demands drive policy call

The king’s remarks come months after youth-led protests highlighted growing frustration over limited social and economic opportunities. Demonstrators have called for improved public healthcare, better education and more jobs amid rising youth unemployment. Many young people were also among those who crossed into Spain’s Ceuta exclave during a mass migration in July.

King defends Spain partnership

Mohammed VI also defended Morocco’s partnership with Spain, announcing plans to redefine bilateral cooperation following the migration incident. He said Morocco’s partnerships were sovereign choices that should not be subjected to pressure, threats or blackmail. The country will present its partners with a strategic document outlining a new approach focused on joint development, economic competitiveness and regional stability.

Calls for jobs and equal opportunities

The king urged the development of new economic strategies, increased private-sector investment and broader opportunities for young Moroccans. He said youth policy should be integrated into the country’s wider development plans, ensuring fair access to education, skills training and economic inclusion. He also criticised delays in transferring powers and resources to regional authorities, while stressing the importance of strengthening water, energy and food security.

Opposition demands concrete action

Following the speech, opposition lawmakers said they would monitor whether the priorities outlined by the king lead to specific policies and practical results rather than remaining general political commitments.