logo
Istiqlal Party leader Nizar Baraka acknowledges government's failure to create one million jobs

Istiqlal Party leader Nizar Baraka acknowledges government's failure to create one million jobs

Ya Biladi19-05-2025

Nizar Baraka, Secretary-General of the Istiqlal Party and Minister of Equipment and Water, acknowledged the government's failure to meet its promise of creating one million jobs during its term, which ends next year.
Speaking at the Istiqlal Party's National Council session on Saturday, May 17, in Salé, Baraka said, «We must be honest with Moroccans; the goal of creating one million jobs is unattainable».
He added that the government is entering a new phase in addressing employment challenges, highlighting that approximately 180,000 jobs were created in the first quarter of 2025, compared to a loss of nearly 80,000 jobs during the same period last year.
Meanwhile, the High Commission for Planning reported that the national economy generated around 282,000 jobs between the first quarters of 2024 and 2025.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Proposal to rename Agadir streets after Jewish figures sparks controversy
Proposal to rename Agadir streets after Jewish figures sparks controversy

Ya Biladi

time3 hours ago

  • Ya Biladi

Proposal to rename Agadir streets after Jewish figures sparks controversy

Abdellah El Feryadi, president of the Moroccan Institute for Human Rights, has sent an official letter to Aziz Akhannouch, president of the Municipal Council of Agadir, proposing that certain streets and public facilities in the city be named after Moroccan Jewish figures. El Feryadi, known for sparking controversy with his frequent visits to Israel, has previously defended the travels of young Moroccans to Tel Aviv amid the ongoing war waged by the Israeli state against the Gaza Strip. Dated May 21, 2025, the letter cites the preamble of the Moroccan Constitution, which recognizes the Hebrew component as an integral part of the national identity. It argues that the current absence of references to Moroccan Jewish figures in the naming of public facilities reflects a shortcoming in representing this cultural and religious heritage. The letter calls for completing this symbolic project by including names that reflect the diversity Agadir has experienced throughout its history. Among the proposals is the renaming of Allal Al-Fassi Street to «Simon Levy Street», in honor of the late political and economic activist, and Abderrahim Bouabid Street to «Khalifa Ben Malka Street», in recognition of a prominent rabbi in Agadir's history. The proposal has sparked a wave of controversy on social media, with many questioning the timing and motives behind the initiative—particularly given the ongoing war in Gaza. Aziz Hanaoui, secretary general of the Moroccan Observatory for Anti-Normalization, wrote on his Facebook page that the letter came from someone for whom «serving Zionism has become an existential creed—even at the expense of Morocco's national symbols». Salima Belemkaddem, president of the Morocco Environment Movement 2050, described the letter as «a public call for Zionism from a Moroccan institution», adding that the proposal amounts to «a blessing of normalization with the Nazis». Meanwhile, Adil Tchikitou, president of the Moroccan League for Human Rights, posted on Facebook that the individual behind the initiative is «one of the most prominent faces of blatant normalization with the Zionist entity». He accused El Feryadi of repeatedly visiting Israel and appearing in Zionist institutions, «smiling for the cameras over the bodies of victims, mocking the oppressed people of the occupied land». Tchikitou added, «When certain individuals repeatedly visit the occupying entity, sit in its embrace, and return with initiatives that outwardly appear 'cultural' but inwardly undermine national principles, it is no longer a mere personal endeavor—it has become a systematic movement that demands a serious reckoning». The National Organization for Human Rights and Anti-Corruption also condemned the proposal, describing it as «a clear offense to the symbols of the Moroccan national movement, who sacrificed their lives and years for the country's liberation from colonialism». It warned that «tampering with these names is an affront to the collective memory of thousands of Moroccan families who have imbibed patriotism from these names and regard them as a source of pride and a reference for citizenship».

Morocco Launches Overhaul of Urban Bus Transport with $1.1 Billion National Program
Morocco Launches Overhaul of Urban Bus Transport with $1.1 Billion National Program

Morocco World

time3 hours ago

  • Morocco World

Morocco Launches Overhaul of Urban Bus Transport with $1.1 Billion National Program

Rabat – Morocco has set out on an ambitious reform of its public bus transport system, aiming to transform urban mobility across 84 cities and metropolitan areas between 2025 and 2029. Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit outlined the new strategy during a session in the House of Representatives on Monday, where he described the plan as a sharp break from past approaches to urban transport management. The program begins with 37 delegated local authorities, including 18 municipalities, 12 inter-municipal cooperation bodies, and 7 regional groupings. In this first phase, major cities such as Marrakech, Tangier, Tetouan, Agadir, Benslimane, and Fez are among the first to enter the transition. The state has earmarked MAD 11 billion ($1.1 billion) for the rollout. This funding covers the purchase of 3,746 new buses and the development of digital and physical infrastructure: ticketing systems, route planning and passenger information tools, parking areas, bus stops, signage, and maintenance facilities. 'This model turns the page on outdated methods,' said Laftit. He underlined three core principles: a clear separation between investment and daily operations, full public responsibility for infrastructure costs, and the introduction of tighter monitoring and performance controls. The financing structure rests on a three-way contribution: one-third from regional governments and two-thirds from Morocco's Road Transport Reform Support Fund. Contributions to this fund from the Ministries of Interior and Finance have increased from MAD 1 billion to MAD 1.5 billion ($100 million to $150 million), bringing the annual funding pool to MAD 3 billion ($300 million). The reform unfolds in three phases. In the first, six delegated authorities will oversee transport upgrades in 23 cities. Tenders have already been launched to appoint technical oversight teams, with engineering consultancies selected for cities like Marrakech, Tangier, Agadir, and Tetouan. At the same time, procurement efforts for 1,317 buses are underway through local development companies. Contracts have been awarded for 968 vehicles. The remaining 349 units will be subject to a second round of bidding after initial proposals fell short of technical requirements. The government has also opened tenders for smart ticketing systems and operational support platforms. Selected suppliers will be announced before mid-June. The second phase will extend to 24 more cities under 18 additional authorities. Plans include purchasing 827 new buses and recruiting future operators through competitive bidding. In the third and final phase, the government will target another 37 cities, working with 13 local authorities. This last stage will follow the expiry of existing transport contracts, paving the way for a full nationwide rollout. While these efforts mark a promising step toward improving public transport, many Moroccans remain skeptical. Urban buses in the country have long suffered from poor conditions, overcrowding, delays, and a lack of safety. Passengers often report harassment, theft, and frequent breakdowns, while accidents involving buses continue to raise serious concerns. Despite the planned overhaul, public confidence in the system remains low, and many believe that only sustained reform and strict oversight can restore trust. Tags: MoroccoMorocco transportMorocco urban busesTransportationurban buses

Morocco's 40 Under 40 Gala Launches with Star-Studded Celebration in Rabat
Morocco's 40 Under 40 Gala Launches with Star-Studded Celebration in Rabat

Morocco World

time19 hours ago

  • Morocco World

Morocco's 40 Under 40 Gala Launches with Star-Studded Celebration in Rabat

Rabat – An exceptional gala marked the inaugural edition of Morocco's 40 Under 40 in the Moroccan capital over the weekend, with the event celebrating a new generation of national and international talent. It brought together distinguished guests and recognized 40 Moroccans and members of the diaspora under the age of 40, selected for their outstanding achievements across a wide range of sectors. The gala took place on the evening of Saturday, May 31 in the presence of high-level officials and guests, but the focus remained squarely on the laureates, individuals under 40 who represent a future already in motion. Their achievements reflect personal success and a shared momentum to shape Morocco's trajectory at home and beyond its borders. Walid Regragui, head coach of the national football team, stepped onto the stage as guest of honor and brought the room to life with a message that resonated far beyond the technicalities of football. He spoke of belief, resilience, and collective purpose. Badr Boussabat, president of Morocco's 40 Under 40, opened the evening with words that captured the spirit of the initiative. 'It is not just a celebration,' he said. 'It is a moment to recognize that these young leaders are already forming meaningful partnerships between Moroccans and members of the diaspora.' Read also: Morocco's 40 Under 40: A New Generation of Leaders Driving the Country's Transformation The gala featured several notable speeches, including from André Azoulay, advisor to King Mohammed VI, who brought a sense of continuity and national purpose to the event. Industry and Trade Minister Ryad Mezzour, Digital Transition and Administrative Reform Minister Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, and Khalid Badou of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University also shared their perspectives, each one anchoring the evening in a broader conversation about Morocco's future. The atmosphere was one of sincerity rather than spectacle. Mentors of the program, 40 figures who supported the selected laureates, also received the recognition they deserve. The initiative owes much to its partners. Casablanca Finance City, Dislog Group, Technopark, Accenture, and ACS all played a key role in supporting this ambitious first edition. The gala itself took place at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, a partner that continues to host and encourage spaces for innovation and exchange. With this first edition, Morocco's 40 Under 40 steps into a decade-long journey. By 2030, the program looks to bring together 200 Moroccan and diaspora leaders into a unique network, ready to serve the country's strategic shifts and global aspirations. Tags: 40 under 40MoroccoMorocco 40 under 40Walid Regragui

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store