HIBAPRESS – Abdellatif Barka
On the second Friday of October, as per constitutional tradition, His Majesty King Mohammed VI inaugurates the new legislative session. However, this session, unlike its predecessors, holds special momentum and unprecedented expectations from various segments of Moroccan society, especially in light of a changing political and social context, reinforced by indications of a new popular awakening, and clear demands for renewing the relationship between the state and the citizen.
The eyes of Moroccans are directed towards the Parliament building, where the King is expected to deliver a speech described by observers of public affairs as "pivotal," given the strategic stakes it encompasses and the accompanying popular anticipation that is expanding, especially from the youth, who have strongly returned to the forefront of public debate, demanding serious listening and a genuine response to their aspirations.
– A new generation.. and a different political pulse
One of the most prominent features of the current stage is the noticeable shift in the behavior of new generations towards politics. We can observe greater interaction with public issues, whether through statements from the "Generation Z" youth, or through extensive discussions on digital platforms, or through the increased presence in field activities.
This shift not only reflects a new national engagement, but also places political institutions before a double responsibility: effective listening, serious interaction, and the ability to renew work tools and the content of the speech. Which makes the awaited royal speech a crucial moment that could lay the foundation for a time of listening and seriousness in reform.
– Major files on the Friday table
It is expected that the opening speech of the legislative session will address strategic axes that touch the core of current national challenges, foremost of which is the national issue and territorial integrity after the session coincided with the fiftieth anniversary of the Green March, which makes the speech an opportunity to reaffirm the centrality of the Sahara issue in the national agenda, and review the diplomatic successes achieved by Morocco in this file. The Parliament and the parties may be invited to play a more active role in parallel diplomacy, especially through youth and parliamentarian representations.
There is also the strengthening of national sovereignty, regarding which the King may call for accelerating the pace of strengthening energy, food, water, and health security, in addition to pushing forward the social protection program, as a pillar for reducing social and spatial disparities and ensuring territorial justice.
There is a basic axis is the call to respond to the youth movement, which His Majesty is expected to direct a clear call to the government to take urgent and bold measures in the areas of education, employment, and health, while considering the possibility of establishing permanent institutional mechanisms for direct listening to the youth, and integrating them into the formulation of public policies, which restores confidence in institutions and pushes towards wider political participation.
There is also the issue of improving the efficiency of parliamentary work by focusing this time not only on the volume of legislative production, but also on its quality and its tangible impact on the lives of citizens, especially the middle and vulnerable groups. Which may be translated by inviting Parliament to reconsider its legislative priorities and enhance its oversight role.
– Activating accountability and combating corruption
The speech is likely to emphasize the need to activate the constitutional provisions related to linking responsibility with accountability, and serious interaction with the reports of governance institutions such as the Supreme Audit Council and the Anti-Corruption Authority, within a framework of transparency and strictness.
. Moralizing political life
It is not excluded that the contents of the royal speech include a clear call for political parties to renew their elites and their speech, and to be more open to young competencies, which restores vitality to the party scene, and establishes a political culture more connected to the aspirations of the street.
– A speech that draws the compass of the next phase
The stakes placed on the opening speech of the parliamentary session are not only related to launching a new legislative year, but also to defining a new political direction that is built on mutual trust between the state and society. The youth have had their say, and have expressed their political and social presence strongly, and the ball is today in the court of the institutions that are expected to respond, with a responsible speech, bold policies, and a real willingness to renew the social contract.
Morocco today stands on the threshold of a qualitative transformation, and the next legislative session may, in fact, be an exceptional session unlike its predecessors.
