27 years of leadership: A speech that celebrates success while sidestepping accountability
On July 29, 2026, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI delivered his annual throne address, marking 27 years since his ascension to power. The speech, delivered with a tone of measured optimism amid regional instability, positioned itself as both a reflection on past achievements and a roadmap for the future. While the monarch emphasized continuity and institutional stability as Morocco’s « strategic capital, » he also inadvertently highlighted a glaring contradiction: the persistent lack of clarity surrounding political accountability for setbacks during his reign.
Celebrating achievements with a selective lens
The King’s address was not merely a ceremonial address but a carefully crafted narrative of success. He framed his leadership not as a pursuit of personal glory but as a commitment to fulfilling his constitutional duties, stating, « My sole concern has always been to fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to me with the utmost diligence. »
The economic and social milestones he cited were undeniably impressive. Morocco, he noted, achieved a 4.9% growth rate in 2025, solidified its position as Africa’s top car exporter, and welcomed nearly 20 million tourists—a record for the nation. These accomplishments, he argued, were not the result of short-term governance but rather the culmination of a « clear strategic vision » and a « virtuous cumulative dynamic » transcending individual governments.
Accountability in the shadows: the unanswered question
Yet, the speech’s greatest paradox lies in how it addresses success versus failure. By attributing achievements to a national strategy rather than individual administrations, the King implicitly raises the question: if this strategy has delivered so much, why do persistent challenges—such as inequality, unemployment, and regional disparities—remain unresolved after nearly three decades?
The address stressed institutional cohesion and a « shared spirit of responsibility » among state bodies. However, this holistic framing of power complicates the task of isolating failures to specific governments when successes are presented as the work of the nation as a whole. The King alluded to « constructive self-criticism » as a guiding principle, yet this introspection remained confined to the private sphere rather than the public discourse.
A new chapter without a break from the past
Looking ahead, the speech signaled a new chapter following legislative elections, one that would prioritize « safeguarding achievements » and « advancing reforms. » This continuity over transformation suggests no radical departure from the existing trajectory but rather a reinforcement of the status quo.
In essence, the 2026 throne speech served as a consolidation of the legitimacy of Morocco’s development path. By claiming ownership of the nation’s successes while leaving the shadowy zones of failure unexamined, the King’s words left the political and media spheres grappling with a fundamental question: who, if anyone, should be held accountable for the unaddressed challenges of a 27-year reign?
