Morocco’s Parliament Opened by King Mohammed VI

Maghreb Arabe Presse

The King of Morocco officially opened the country’s Parliament in its capital of Rabat on Friday. In his speech to the Parliament’s two houses, King Mohammed VI stressed the need for legal framework for economic and social council.

“The aim is to develop a model Moroccan economic and social council that serves as an expert constitutional institution thanks to the quality of the advice and recommendations it gives regarding the nation’s chief economic issues,” he said.

The King also called for the council members to come from a diverse background. In other words, there should a substantial number of women, those from civil society and members of higher institutions.

King Mohammed added that the council must be open to all competent citizens, “in accordance with my wish to involve in the council all skilled Moroccans, wherever they may be.”

Furthermore, the Council should “give priority to drawing up – in the foreseeable future – the new social charter I have called for, and to give its opinion on the coordination and interplay between development plans and sector-based policies” and should seek to give concrete substance to the regional dimension of those plans.

“The setting up of this new council is a further step towards good governance in the area of development. I want the latter to be a pillar of our action to consolidate the dignity of our people and contribute to effective citizenship,” said King Mohammed.