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Marrakech – Leading Spanish newspaper El País has recently published an article commemorating the 25th anniversary of King Mohammed VI’s accession to the throne, highlighting the significant transformations that Morocco has undergone during his reign.
The article, titled “Morocco Under Mohammed VI: 25 Years of Truncated Transition,” acknowledges the country’s modernization of infrastructure and diplomatic expansion.
According to El País, “The transformation in 25 years is evident. The country is another country… the condition of women, cultural modernity…”
The article quotes Mehdi Qotbi, director of the National Foundation of Museums, who asserts that Morocco has made substantial progress.
“It would be stupid to say that everything is wonderful, but we must recognize that things have improved. It’s like night and day,” Qotbi states, comparing the current situation to his humble upbringing in Rabat.
The Spanish newspaper also highlights the inauguration of major infrastructure projects such as the high-speed Al Boraq train, connecting Tangier and Casablanca, and the Tanger Med port, which has become the main container terminal in the Mediterranean.
El País reports that Morocco has become the leading exporter of vehicles to the EU, surpassing Japan, with over half a million units exported last year.
The article acknowledges the initial hopes for change and social reforms, such as the reform of the Family Code, which promoted women’s rights 20 years ago, and the investigation of the years of lead under King Hassan II through the Equity and Reconciliation Commission.
El País also notes the strengthening of Morocco’s international position, particularly its relations with the United States.
The American recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara in 2020 and the normalization of relations with Israel are seen as favorable developments for the North African country.
The article mentions Spain’s recent recognition of Morocco’s autonomy proposal for Western Sahara as the “most serious, realistic, and credible” solution to the dispute.
The Spanish newspaper highlights the economic growth Morocco has experienced during King Mohammed VI’s reign, with the country’s GDP tripling to reach €130 billion in 2023.
The article also points out the social progress made, with 3.8 million families receiving a state social income and 23 million Moroccans benefiting from mandatory health insurance since last year.
As Morocco celebrates the 25th anniversary of King Mohammed VI’s accession to the throne, local and international media have dedicated extensive coverage to assess this period.
A recent analysis by the Spanish Institute of Governance and Applied Economics “Coordenadas”, for instance, highlighted Morocco’s growing presence and influence in the advanced world, acknowledging the country’s progress under King Mohammed VI’s leadership.
The report lauded King Mohammed VI’s successful navigation of Morocco’s relationship with Europe, capitalizing on the country’s role in combating human trafficking and irregular migration and cooperating closely on counter-terrorism efforts.
It also recognized Morocco’s progress in gaining recognition for its sovereignty over the Western Sahara while extending a hand of friendship towards Algeria.
Read also: French Magazine: 25 Years of Infrastructure Boom ‘Drives’ Morocco’s Economic Success
