King Mohammed VI expressed sadness on Friday over the devastating earthquake that struck Morocco, causing significant loss of life and numerous injuries, stressing the pressing need to continue assisting the disaster-stricken families, and speeding up rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.
The Monarch was speaking at the annual Parliament opening which coincides with the second week of October. This was the first session of the third legislative year of the 11th Legislature.
“Earthquakes cause destruction, but we intend to rehabilitate and rebuild the devastated areas,” the king underlined in his royal speech which usually lays the groundwork for the government to develop relevant programs for the whole year.
The King also highlighted the resilience and unity of the Moroccan people in the face of adversity, noting the outpouring of solidarity from civil society and Moroccans both inside the country and abroad.
He commended efforts and sacrifices made by the Royal Armed Forces (FAR), emergency and security agencies, and local authorities in times of need.
The sovereign also extended his gratitude to international friends and sister nations who stood in solidarity with Morocco during this difficult time.
On a different subject, the King underlined the significance of family cohesion as a cornerstone of Moroccan society and called on the Head of the government to review the Family Law (Mudawana) to support and strengthen family bonds.
The Monarch introduced a large-scale social protection program to begin providing direct social assistance to various segments of society, including school-age children, children with disabilities, newborns, and vulnerable families by the end of the year.
The assistance goes beyond family allowances and seeks to improve living standards, fight poverty, and enhance social and human development standards.
The King stressed the importance of transparency, equity, and good governance in implementing the program and encouraged the rationalization of existing social benefit schemes.