Morocco's king puts youth at the top of the agenda
Opening parliament months after youth-led protests, Mohammed VI called for equal opportunities in education, skills and work. The opposition says it will judge by results.
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Rabat — King Mohammed VI has told Morocco's parliament that the concerns of young people must come first in government policy, Africanews reports.
"Youth-related issues must be placed at the forefront of public policies," he said on Friday as he opened the new session in Rabat. He called for "an integrated vision that guarantees equal opportunities and encompasses education, skills development, and economic inclusion".
Why now
The speech follows youth-led protests some months ago over social and economic opportunities. Protesters demanded reform of public healthcare, better schools and more jobs.
In July, many young people crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.
Other priorities
The king also spoke of water, energy and food security, and of delays in transferring powers to regional authorities.
On foreign relations he said that "partnership is a sovereign choice and a voluntary commitment, which cannot be subject to any pressure or threat, nor to any form of blackmail". The speech touched on cooperation plans with Spain.
Opposition members of parliament said they would watch whether the priorities he set out turn into action.
This report is based on reporting by Africanews.
