King Mohammed VI Acknowledges Persistent Poverty in Morocco Despite Progress

The progress and achievements have not had a significant impact on the lives of Moroccans. King Mohammed VI notes this. "The duty of clarity and objectivity requires us to qualify this positive assessment insofar as the progress and achievements already made have unfortunately not yet had sufficient repercussions on Moroccan society as a whole," he said in his speech to the nation, on the occasion of the celebration of the Throne Feast.

Faced with this less flattering assessment, he expressed his state of mind. "God knows how saddened I am to see that Moroccan citizens, even if they represent only 1% of the population, continue to live in precariousness and material deprivation," he told his people.

For the Sovereign, hope is nevertheless allowed. In his argument, Mohammed VI hinted that he is resolutely working to lift his people out of poverty. "We have attached particular importance to human development programs, the promotion of social policies in order to ultimately achieve the satisfaction of the pressing expectations of Moroccans," he confessed.

For the realization of this wish, the Sovereign recalled the commitment he had made last year before the people. "I will not rest until all obstacles have been eliminated, until appropriate solutions have been found to development problems and social issues," he said.