Rabat, Morocco – In a powerful address to the nation marking the 26th anniversary of his accession to the Throne, His Majesty King Mohammed VI delivered a message of unity, responsibility, and unwavering dedication to the well-being of the Moroccan people.
As part of this historic occasion, the Sovereign granted a royal pardon to 2,415 individuals convicted by various Moroccan courts—some of whom are currently in detention, while others were serving sentences outside of prison. In an extraordinary humanitarian gesture, His Majesty extended clemency to an additional 17,258 convicts, selected according to rigorous criteria designed to ensure justice, compassion, and reintegration.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Justice, this exceptional initiative reflects the deep humanitarian spirit and noble values of the Monarch, highlighting his ongoing solicitude for the vulnerable segments of society.
The royal speech and accompanying pardons underscore King Mohammed VI’s vision of a compassionate and inclusive Morocco, where justice is balanced with mercy, and where national unity is reinforced through acts of grace and social harmony.
As the Kingdom celebrates over two decades of progress under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, the Throne Day address served as a reminder of the Monarch’s commitment to reform, social cohesion, and the dignity of all Moroccans—further strengthening the enduring bond between the Sovereign and his people.
A Legacy of Development and Stability
Since ascending to the Throne, King Mohammed VI has led Morocco through a transformative journey. Highlighting the Kingdom’s advancements, the Monarch noted that the country’s economic and human development achievements are a result of long-term vision, bold development choices, and Morocco’s political and institutional stability.
Despite global crises and climatic challenges, the King proudly announced that Morocco’s economy has maintained steady growth, driven by a diversified industrial base and strategic sectors such as automotive, aviation, renewable energy, agri-food, and tourism. He described Morocco as an emerging nation, backed by robust infrastructure and economic partnerships connecting it to nearly three billion global consumers.
People-Centered Progress
His Majesty reaffirmed that Morocco’s development must translate into real improvements in citizens’ lives, especially in underserved and rural regions. Referring to the 2024 General Population Census, the King welcomed Morocco’s advancement into the “high human development” category and a significant drop in multidimensional poverty—from 11.9% in 2014 to 6.8% in 2024.
However, he acknowledged persistent social and regional disparities and called for a “quantum leap” in local development, advocating for a new, integrated and inclusive model. The King directed the government to launch next-generation regional programs focused on:
- Boosting employment and local entrepreneurship,
- Strengthening healthcare and education,
- Enhancing water resource management, and
- Advancing integrated infrastructure projects.
A Call for Unity and Electoral Preparation
Looking ahead to the upcoming legislative elections, King Mohammed VI instructed the Minister of Interior to prepare for the electoral process with transparency and consensus, ensuring that democratic mechanisms continue to function effectively.
He also extended a heartfelt message of unity to Algeria, reiterating Morocco’s sincere desire for reconciliation and dialogue. The King reaffirmed that the Algerian people are “brothers and sisters”, bound to Moroccans by shared history, language, faith, and geography. He once again invited the Algerian leadership to engage in frank, responsible, and fraternal dialogue to overcome existing tensions.
Recognition of Sovereignty and Global Support
The King expressed pride in the growing international support for Morocco’s Autonomy Initiative as a realistic and legitimate solution to the Moroccan Sahara conflict. He thanked nations such as the United Kingdom and Portugal for recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara, calling for a peaceful and consensus-based resolution.
Tribute to National Forces
Concluding his address, King Mohammed VI paid tribute to Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces, security personnel, emergency services, and all those committed to defending the nation’s unity, sovereignty, and stability. He also honored the memory of his revered ancestors, King Mohammed V and King Hassan II, invoking their enduring legacy in the service of the Moroccan people.
BY: The Times Union
