Every year on July 30th, Morocco celebrates Throne Day, commemorating the ascension of King Mohammed VI to the throne.
The national holiday pays homage to the remarkable transformation the country has experienced under his leadership over the past 25 years.
At the age of 60, King Mohammed VI had been in power for 25 years. He ascended to the throne in 1999 following the passing of his father, the late King Hassan II.
His involvement in Morocco’s political landscape, however, began long before he officially assumed the throne.
From a young age, King Mohammed VI was groomed for leadership by his father, who recognized the importance of preparing his son for the responsibilities of kingship.
At just four years old, he began attending the Qur’anic school at the Royal Palace, where he received a traditional and religious education. This early education laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to serving his country and its people.
As he grew older, the future King pursued higher education at Mohammed V University in Rabat, where he earned a B.A. in Law in 1985.
He also earned a Certificate of Higher Studies (CES) in political sciences and a Diploma of Advanced Studies (DEA) in public law. His academic journey extended beyond Morocco’s borders, leading him to Brussels to learn from the President of the European Commission.
His pursuit of knowledge culminated in a Ph.D. in Law from the French University of Nice Sophia Antipolis, where he earned the distinction of “Very Honorable.”
In recognition of his efforts to promote democracy in Morocco, he received an honorary degree from George Washington University just one year after ascending to the throne.
A Reign of Progress and Reform
His diverse educational background, coupled with early grooming for leadership, equipped King Mohammed VI with a unique perspective that he would later apply to modernize Morocco.
Upon ascending the throne in 1999, he addressed the pressing challenges facing the country.
His reign has been marked by major reforms addressing pressing social issues and advancing the nation’s development.
One of his most significant achievements was the creation of a new family code, known as Mudawana, in 2004.
The landmark reform granted Moroccan women more rights and opportunities, marking a significant step forward in gender equality.
Leading Economic Prosperity
The King’s dedication to improving the lives of his citizens extends beyond legislative reforms. He has been at the forefront of efforts to combat poverty, corruption, and unemployment.
Under King Mohammed VI, Morocco has seen unprecedented levels of prosperity. The monarch’s long-term vision to boost the country’s economy has culminated in the commissioning of the 2021 New Development Model, a proposal for a sustainable development path.
The King’s vision for a more prosperous Morocco has positioned the country as a regional leader across many industrial sectors, including the automotive and aeronautics industries, among others.
Throughout his quarter-decade reign, the country has become an attractive hub for investment, with the inflow of investments more than doubling since his ascent to the throne.