The Alaouite King gave a speech on the occasion of the Feast of the Throne on his 23rd anniversary as Moroccan monarch and wanted to send a conciliatory message to the neighbouring Algerian country in the face of all the current controversy

Mohamed VI: “Argelia siempre hallará a Marruecos a su lado en todas las circunstancias y situaciones”

photo_camera PHOTO/FILE - Mohammed VI, King of Morocco

King Mohammed VI addressed the nation on Saturday to mark the 23rd anniversary of his accession to the Moroccan throne, on the so-called Throne Festival. The message was broadcast on radio and television, as previously announced by the Ministry of the Royal Household, Protocol and Chancellery, and in it he sought to explain the current situation of the Moroccan country both internally and externally; above all, giving great importance in this case to the relationship with Algeria, a neighbouring country in North Africa. 

Mohammed VI wanted to send a message of rapprochement and understanding with Algeria, a nation with which Morocco has political differences and conflicting interests, highlighting the opposing positions on the conflict over Western Sahara, a region for which the Alaouite kingdom proposes a formula of broad autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty; The Algerian country is the main ally of the Polisario Front, an enemy organisation of Morocco that advocates holding a referendum on independence for the Sahrawi people, an option that has less international support, unlike the Moroccan initiative, which has the support of many important countries. 

"I wish to reaffirm, once again, that the borders separating the brotherly peoples of Morocco and Algeria will never be borders that close the areas of communication and understanding between them", said the Moroccan monarch, who advocated building "bridges that carry the future of Morocco and Algeria in their arms, thus setting an example for the other Maghreb peoples".

"I would like to urge all Moroccans to continue to adorn themselves with the values of fraternity, solidarity and good neighbourliness that unite us with our Algerian brothers, to whom we want to assure that they will always find Morocco and Moroccans by their side in all circumstances and situations," Mohamed VI said in the official speech, which was also reported by the official Moroccan news agency MAP.

Mohamed VI Fiesta del Trono 2022

Mohammed VI rejected the false news that pointed to insults against Algeria coming from the Alawi kingdom. "As for the hoaxes accusing Moroccans of insults against Algeria and Algerians, we must say that those who spread them irresponsibly seek only to provoke discord between the two brotherly peoples. "As for what is being said about relations between Morocco and Algeria, it is senseless and pains the soul. For our part, we will never allow anyone to offend our brothers and neighbours," the Moroccan king said. 

Mohammed VI insisted before the Moroccan people on "getting out of this situation by consolidating rapprochement, communication and understanding between the two peoples". "We are inspired by the ambition to work with the Algerian presidency with the aim of making the two countries, Morocco and Algeria, join hands to establish natural relations between two brotherly peoples, united by historical and human ties, as well as by a common destiny," the Moroccan king said, after the Algerian regime broke off diplomatic relations with Morocco in August 2021.

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Impact of the pandemic and close ties between the people and the Moroccan Monarchy

The commemoration of the Feast of the Throne coincides with the arrival of the new year of the hegira, which has made it an even more special date, with a message that always seeks "the renewal of the bonds of allegiance exchanged between the throne and the people". 

Every 30 July, Moroccans celebrate the anniversary of the Moroccan monarch's accession to the throne, it is an official holiday and marks the celebration of the renewal of the oath of mutual loyalty between the King of Morocco and the people. 

This year 2022, the usual activities related to the Feast of the Throne were once again suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a health crisis that the Alawite monarch has mentioned, along with the economic and political instability currently being experienced, especially due to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine: "This year, the celebration of this dear commemoration for all Moroccans takes place within unstable circumstances, marked by the persistence of the consequences of the health crisis, as well as by the repercussions of international mutations on the national and global economy."

The King of Morocco pointed out that "many people, especially those in precarious and poor categories, suffered greatly economically and socially" due to the pandemic. But "thank God", he said, "we have managed to manage this difficult stage, in a sui generis way, thanks to the combined efforts of citizens and authorities", as Mohammed VI pointed out in reference to the significant efforts made by the country to contain the spread of the coronavirus over the last three years practically. "The State has made enormous efforts and assumed a high cost to deal with the consequences of this pandemic, providing direct material aid to families in need and support to the sectors affected," said the Moroccan monarch, who stressed that "Morocco, as everyone knows, was one of the first countries to acquire the vaccine and offer it free of charge to all citizens, both nationals and foreigners residing in Morocco, despite its high price". Mohammed VI spoke of the way to "implement the great project of the generalisation of social protection and the empowerment of the national health system" as a relevant aspect to be highlighted. 

Faced with the current situation, Mohammed VI called for national unity and "the participation of all Moroccans, both men and women, in the development operation". Precisely, the King of Morocco wanted to have a special word for women in order to further strengthen their role in all areas. "We are committed to promoting the status of women, opening up all horizons for their advancement and giving them their rightful place," said the Moroccan king, who recalled that "among the most important reforms we have been able to carry out is the promulgation of the Family Code and the adoption of the 2011 Constitution, which enshrines equality between women and men in rights and obligations, advocating the principle of parity, as an objective that the State wants to achieve. "It is not a question of granting women free privileges, but of giving them all the rights provided for by the various laws. In today's Morocco, women cannot be deprived of their rights," she explained. "Everyone must understand that giving women their rights does not mean that this is done to the detriment of men, nor to the detriment of women," he said.

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Great efforts in the economic sphere

In the economic and social sphere, Mohammed VI pointed out that the country is determined to "gradually implement the generalisation of family benefits, from the end of 2023, in accordance with the programme established for this purpose". "This national solidarity project will benefit approximately seven million children, especially those from families suffering from precariousness and poverty, as well as three million families with children who have not yet reached school age," he explained.

Mohammed VI wanted to highlight the efforts of the State and the public and private sectors so that the national economy has been able to "resist the crises and fluctuations, obtaining positive results in the different sectors of production". However, "the recovery phase did not last long because of the current global situation", as the Alawi monarch acknowledged in relation to problems such as the drought in the country and the war in Ukraine, and the situation generated in terms of food insecurity and rising prices of basic products and foodstuffs as a result of the current situation. "Aware of the impact of this situation on the living conditions of large categories of citizens, we have launched a national programme to mitigate the effects of the drought on farmers and rural dwellers," the Moroccan monarch explained. "We have also directed the government to allocate large sums to subsidise the prices of certain basic products and guarantee their presence on the markets.  This is the least that can be done for Moroccans," said the King of Morocco, who pointed out that "the budget of the Compensation Fund has been doubled by 2022, exceeding 32 billion dirhams".

Finally, the Alaouite monarch insisted on the close relationship between the monarchy and the Moroccan people, which allows us to overcome all adversities. "Morocco's history is full of lessons and achievements that confirm the fact that we have always overcome crises, thanks to the permanent cohesion between the throne and the people, and to the sacrifices of free Moroccans," the Moroccan monarch said. "Today I can only express to you, dear people, my thanks and my consideration for all that you have shown, in all circumstances and conditions, as love for your homeland, zeal for your national unity, territorial integrity and commitment to defend your sacred symbols and values," said Mohammed VI.

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Here follows the full text of the royal speech:

"Praise be to God,

May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet, His Kith and Kin
Dear Citizens,
The celebration of the anniversary of my accession to the throne which, this year, coincides with the beginning of the new Hegira Year, is an annual opportunity to renew the mutual bonds of the Bei'a between the people and the King.

I thank Almighty God for having blessed us with such close cohesion throughout history, through good times and bad.

This year’s commemoration of an event which is dear to the heart of all Moroccans is taking place in an unstable environment marked by the continuing impacts of the COVID19 crisis and the effects of major international developments on the national and the global economy.

Hence, it would hardly be possible for us to rise to domestic and external challenges without combining the spirit of entrepreneurship and resilience to shore up social stability with the need to enhance the status of women and the family and boost the national economy.

Dear Citizens,

Building the kind of country we yearn for - one that is committed to progress and dignity - is possible only with the participation of all Moroccans - men and women alike - in the development process.

Therefore, I insist, once again, on the need to ensure the full participation of Moroccan women in all sectors.
Ever since my accession to the throne, I have been keen to improve the status of women, open up prospects for their advancement and enable them to hold their rightful place in society.

The main reforms we have introduced in this regard include the adoption of the Family Law and the 2011 Constitution, which enshrines equality between men and women in terms of rights and obligations and provides for the principle of parity as a goal to be pursued by the state.

The question here is not about giving women unwarranted privileges; rather, it is about giving them their legal and legitimate rights. Today, in Morocco, women cannot be deprived of their rights.

In this regard, we need to make sure the constitutional institutions concerned with the rights of the family and women are operational, and to update the relevant mechanisms and regulations for the promotion of the status of women and the family.

The Family Law was a major step forward. However, it is no longer sufficient. Experience has shown there are many hurdles which stand in the way of completing this process and achieving its objectives.

Among them is the inadequate enforcement of the Family Law for various sociological reasons, the more so as a category of employees and justice practitioners still believe the said law is strictly for women.

In fact, the Family Law does not concern men only, nor is it specific to women: it is a law for the entire family.

This law is based on fairness, since it gives women their rights just as it gives men theirs; it also takes into consideration the interests of children.

I therefore insist on the need for everyone to commit to the proper and full implementation of the provisions of the Family Law.

Moreover, we need to address the deficiencies and negative aspects noted from experience, just as we should revisit - where necessary - some of the law’s provisions where deviations from the original goals have been noted.

As the Commander of the Faithful, I pointed out before Parliament in 2003, when introducing the Moudouwana, or Family Law, that I shall not make licit that which the Almighty has forbidden, nor shall I forbid that which He has authorized, particularly when it comes to matters governed by unequivocal Quranic prescriptions.

Therefore, whatever decisions are made in this regard, I am keen to ensure they are in keeping with the stipulations of the Islamic Sharia and the particularities of the Moroccan society, building, to that end, on a moderate, balanced approach, on open-minded interpretation as well as on consultation, dialogue and the engagement of all stakeholders concerned.

In the same vein, I call for family courts to be set up throughout the country, and for providing them with the qualified human resources and means they need for the proper conduct of their mission.

Everyone should understand that giving women their rights does not mean it will be at the expense of men, nor does it mean it will be at the expense of women.

Progress in Morocco hinges on women’s status in society and their effective participation in all development sectors.

Dear Citizens,

As you know, the situation in recent years has been affected by the impact of the Coronavirus crisis on various socioeconomic sectors.

Many people, especially from vulnerable and poor segments of society, have been deeply affected socially and economically.However, and by the grace of the Almighty, we have managed that difficult phase successfully and in a unique way, thanks to the concerted efforts of the citizens and the authorities.

The state has exerted tremendous efforts, devoting significant financial resources to tackling the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. It provided direct material assistance to needy families as well as support to the sectors affected by the pandemic.

The state also made sure basic goods were available on a continuous basis and in sufficient quantities throughout the country.

Similarly, everyone agrees that Morocco was one of the first countries which managed to purchase the vaccine needed, providing it, free of charge, not just to its citizens, but also to foreign residents, despite the exceedingly high costs.

In the same circumstances, we started implementing the major project aimed at achieving universal social protection coverage as well as the upgrading of our national health system.

In the same vein, I launched a number of projects with a view to achieving sovereignty in the health sector and making sure our citizens are safe and secure.

Thus, in less than a year, the number of subscribers to the compulsory medical insurance scheme exceeded six million non-salaried people and their dependents.

Moreover, mandatory health coverage will be completed by the end of this year, once it has been extended to the beneficiaries of the subsidized health insurance regime – RAMED.

And, by the grace of Almighty God, I am determined to ensure the gradual implementation of the family allowance scheme as of the end of 2023, in accordance with the program set to this end.

Close to seven million children - mostly from poor or vulnerable families - will benefit from this solidarity-based national program, in addition to three million households with no school-age children.

To this end, I call for the finalization of the unified social register to be speeded up, since it will be the main tool for granting assistance and making sure this endeavor is efficient.

Dear Citizens,

Thanks to the combined efforts of the state and the public and private sectors, our national economy has proven to be resilient in the face of crises and fluctuations. Thus, positive results have been achieved in all productive sectors.

However, the recovery phase has been short-lived due to the current global circumstances.

These external factors, coupled with a modest agricultural season, have caused the prices of some commodities to soar. This is an issue plaguing all countries around the world.

Realizing the impact of this situation on the livelihoods of many segments of the population, I have launched a national program to mitigate the effects of drought on farmers and rural populations.

I have also instructed the government to allocate substantial funds to subsidize some basic goods and ensure they are available on the market.

Moroccans deserve no less!In this regard, the budget of the compensation fund has been doubled, exceeding 32 billion dirhams for 2022.Parallel to this, we need to boost national solidarity mechanisms, and speculation and market manipulation must be tackled resolutely and responsibly.

Despite the fluctuations noted at global level, we must remain optimistic and focus on our strengths.

We must also seek to leverage the opportunities and possibilities created by the profound changes underway, especially when it comes to attracting investment, boosting export incentives and promoting national products.

In this regard, I urge the government as well as political and economic stakeholders to facilitate the mission of foreign investors who choose to come to our country in the current global circumstances, and to remove any hurdles they may be facing.

Indeed, the greatest peril for the country's development and the promotion of investment are the obstacles intentionally created by those who seek personal gain. These practices must be combatted.

Dear Citizens,

My commitment to improving socioeconomic conditions is second only to my keen desire to address Morocco’s priorities at the regional and international levels.

In this regard, I wish to insist, once again, that the borders separating the two brotherly Moroccan and Algerian peoples, will never stand in the way of the interaction and understanding between the two peoples.

In fact, we want these borders to serve as bridges for building a common future for Morocco and Algeria, and thus set the example for other peoples in the Maghreb.

I therefore call upon Moroccans to continue to adhere to the principles of brotherhood, solidarity, and good-neighborliness binding us with our Algerian brothers and sisters. I want to assure Algerians that Morocco and the Moroccans will always be on their side, no matter what and in all circumstances.

As for the allegations accusing Moroccans of insulting Algeria and Algerians, those who irresponsibly make them want to ignite the flame of strife between the two brotherly peoples.

What is being said about the Moroccan-Algerian relations is both unreasonable and deeply distressing. We do not and shall not allow anyone to adversely affect our brothers and neighbors.

As Moroccans, we are keen to find a way out of the current situation and to promote closer ties, interaction and understanding between the two peoples.

I look forward to cooperating with the Algerian presidency so that Morocco and Algeria may work hand in hand and enjoy normal relations between the two brotherly peoples, who are bound by historical and human ties as well as a common destiny.

Dear Citizens,

The history of Morocco is replete with lessons and achievements which confirm that we always overcome crises, thanks to the everlasting cohesion between the throne and the people, and the sacrifices made by valiant Moroccans.

Today, I cannot but thank you and tell you how much I appreciate your love for your homeland - whatever the circumstances - and your commitment to your national unity and territorial integrity as well as to the defense of your symbols and sacred values.

I should like to take this glorious opportunity to salute our Royal Armed Forces, the Royal Gendarmerie, the National Security Forces, the Auxiliary Forces and the Emergency Services for being mobilized, at all times, under my leadership, to defend the nation’s unity, its security and stability.

I also wish to pay tribute, with all due deference, to the nation’s valiant martyrs, particularly my revered grandfather and father, Their Majesties King Mohammed V and King Hassan II – may they rest in peace.

I can think of no better way to close this address than the following Words of the Almighty:

"So verily, with every difficulty there is relief: verily with every difficulty there is relief. Therefore, when you are free (from your immediate task), still labor hard, and to your Lord turn (all) your attention".

True is the Word of God.

Wassalamu alaikum warahmatullah wabarakatuh."

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