Tan-Tan – King Mohammed VI on Friday recalled the historical importance of Morocco’s monarchy, describing it as one of the oldest in the world and a central pillar of the country’s national identity, unity, and achievements.
Addressing members of Parliament during the opening of the first session of the first legislative year of the 12th Legislature, the monarch linked Morocco’s historical continuity under the monarchy to its religious and cultural identity, as well as its political, diplomatic and economic progress.
“Morocco is one of the world’s oldest nations. Our country is united under the banner of a venerable monarchy—one of the most ancient in history,” he said.
The monarch also noted the role of Morocco’s religious and cultural heritage in shaping its national identity, saying Moroccans could take pride in their “authentic religious identity, under the aegis of the Commandership of the Faithful” and their “distinctive cultural identity, which is enriched by its diverse components.”
His remarks placed the monarchy within a broader account of Morocco’s history, and presented it as both a political institution and a source of continuity and a defining element of national belonging.
Monarchy and national identity
King Mohammed VI returned to a statement he made in Parliament in 2014, recalling his attachment to Morocco and his sense of belonging to the country.
“As a Moroccan, nothing else is more valuable to me than the sense of belonging to this nation,” he said, repeating his earlier words.
“That sentiment remains with me today. It is becoming stronger and more deeply rooted with the passing years,” he added.
The monarch argued that national pride should translate into responsibility rather than self-congratulation. “Pride in one’s homeland, in this case, is not about boasting or self-satisfaction; rather, it is the driving force that turns the sense of belonging into responsibility, and confidence into a national duty,” he said.
The speech thus connected the monarchy’s historical legacy with the responsibilities facing Morocco today, as it presented national identity as a foundation for continued development rather than an achievement in itself.
Morocco’s monarchy predates the current Alaouite dynasty, tracing its historical roots to the Idrissid dynasty, which emerged in the late eighth century. Successive dynasties have shaped the country’s political and religious institutions over more than 12 centuries.
The Alaouite dynasty, which traces its origins to Tafilalet, consolidated its authority over Morocco in the 17th century and has ruled the country since. Morocco’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs describes the monarchy as an institution whose historical legitimacy extends back 12 centuries.
The monarchy’s position also rests on its constitutional and religious roles. Morocco’s 2011 Constitution defines the country as a constitutional, democratic, parliamentary and social monarchy. Article 42 describes the king as the head of state, a symbol of national unity and a guarantor of the state’s continuity, while Article 41 establishes his role as Amir Al Mouminine, or Commander of the Faithful, with responsibilities relating to Islam and religious affairs.
These roles help explain why the monarch linked the monarchy to Morocco’s religious identity and national cohesion. His remarks placed the institution’s historical legacy alongside the country’s economic and diplomatic achievements, while calling for reforms to address youth employment, regional inequalities and the challenges facing public services.
Development and social priorities
Beyond the monarchy’s historical significance, King Mohammed VI outlined priorities for the next legislative and governmental term, calling for a new phase of reforms and major projects.
He identified water, energy, food security, industrial development, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence as key areas requiring new strategies. He also urged the private sector to take a more active role in investment, exports, innovation and job creation.
Youth employment and social mobility featured prominently in his remarks. The monarch called for a comprehensive approach that combines education, skills development and economic integration to give young people equal opportunities and greater confidence in their future.
He also criticized delays in implementing advanced regionalization and administrative deconcentration, arguing that the transfer of powers and resources from the central government to regional and provincial authorities remained essential to improving public services and addressing local needs.
“The real challenge for the coming period lies in fieldwork, at the local level, to identify the actual problems facing each region and come up with realistic solutions to them,” he said.
The monarch also addressed Morocco’s international partnerships, particularly its cooperation with Spain on migration.
While acknowledging the results of Morocco’s approach to migration management, he said the existing cooperation framework had become outdated and required a new direction.
“The recurring crises are a clear testimony to this,” he said, referring to the need to reconsider the current model.
The speech concluded with a reminder to lawmakers that their parliamentary mandate carries both political and moral responsibilities toward citizens.
