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Morocco World
19 hours ago
- Business
- Morocco World
King Mohammed VI Marks 26 Years of Reform, Global Leadership
Rabat — Twenty-six years ago today, King Mohammed VI became the 23rd monarch of Morocco's Alaouite dynasty. He ascended the throne on July 30, 1999, not only inheriting power but also inheriting and advancing a vision of modernity, inclusion, and national strength. From the beginning, the King championed major social initiatives. In 2004, he reformed the Family Code, known as the Mudawana, granting women greater rights and gender equality. In late 2024 and early 2025, King Mohammed VI took direct leadership of Morocco's comprehensive reforms to the country's Family Code, guiding a process described as both balanced and holistic. He personally chaired royal working sessions in Casablanca, where he instructed the government to align proposed changes with Islamic precepts while responding to modern social realities. King Mohammed VI's vision framed the reform as a social project reinforcing the family unit, rather than a narrow women's rights agenda, stressing inclusive consultation — bringing together ulemas, civil society actors, and government authorities — to ensure the revision promotes justice and solidarity across the family structure. In 2005, the King launched the National Initiative for Human Development (INDH), targeting poverty and social exclusion through community-focused programs in health, education, and income support. His Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, founded in 1999, has since disbursed over MAD 3.3 billion ($ 365.524 million) to support vulnerable groups and disaster relief. The King also oversaw an infrastructure boom. Morocco now boasts Africa's longest high-speed rail line, Al Boraq, linking Casablanca, Rabat, Kenitra, and Tangier at speeds up to 320 km/h, making it the continent's first HSR network. The road network has expanded from 1,800 km of highways toward an expected 3,000 km by 2030, helping the country rank second in African infrastructure after South Africa. Flagship projects like the Tanger-Med port and the Mohammed VI Tower in Salé further reflect modern urban development. Green energy and economic diversification King Mohammed VI pressed Morocco toward renewable energy, raising its national target from 42% to 52% of installed capacity by 2030, and pushing ahead with the massive Ouarzazate solar complex. During Throne Day celebrations in July 2023, the King commended OCP Group's green energy initiatives, linking sustainability to industrial resilience. Under his leadership, Morocco built a competitive industrial base. Programs like the Emergence Plan and National Pact for Industrial Emergence powered growth in automotive, aeronautics, and electronics. Investments in tourism, agriculture, and digital innovation strengthened the national economy and helped position Morocco as a regional hub. Democratic reform and cultural recognition In response to the Arab Spring, King Mohammed VI revised the 2011 constitution. The update reduced royal power, boosted parliamentary authority, stressed gender equality, and cemented good governance principles. That year, he also recognized Amazigh (Berber) identity by establishing the Royal Institute of Amazigh Culture in 2001 and committing to its inclusion in education and media. Pan-African diplomacy and global influence Morocco's foreign policy under Mohammed VI has been proactive and panoramic. The country rejoined the African Union in 2017 and forged new 'South–South' partnerships across sub-Saharan Africa. The annual International Africa Development Forum in Casablanca, launched in 2010, reflects Morocco's growing role as a continental investment hub. In June 2025, King Mohammed VI urged African leaders at the 'Africa for the Ocean' summit in Nice to take charge of maritime resources, indicating that oceans as key to sustainable development and security. Western Sahara: sovereignty and recognition The King's diplomatic efforts have dramatically shifted the Western Sahara narrative. His 2007 Autonomy Plan envisions self-governance for the region under Moroccan sovereignty. Ever since, the UN Security Council has described the plan as 'serious and credible.' In 2020, the US formally recognized Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara, while France followed in July 2024, offering similar endorsement and pledging €10 billion in regional investment. Just this week, Portugal also backed the plan, calling it a 'serious and credible basis' for settlement. Religious tolerance and security cooperation The King has positioned Morocco as a leading advocate for religious moderation. He backed the 2016 Marrakech Declaration promoting interfaith harmony and actively funds imam training programs across the Sahel to combat extremism. In 2022–23, Morocco and the UN launched the Marrakech Platform to coordinate regional counter-terrorism efforts. 25 years later: legacy of progress and promise King Mohammed VI has turned Morocco into a model of reform: modern infrastructure, a green-energy economy, democratic strides, cultural recognition, and cross-continental diplomacy. His leadership has raised Morocco's regional profile — stabilizing, prosperous, and inclusive. Still, pressures from climate stress and socio-economic disparity remain. As Morocco approaches its next phase, the King's commitment to sustainable development and international partnership will prove critical in steering the nation forward. Tags: King Mohammed VIKing's legacyKing's Throne Day
Ya Biladi
5 days ago
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Morocco : A national conference calls for equal reform of the Family Code
The Jossour Forum of Moroccan Women (Jossour FFM) held a national conference on Thursday, July 24, in Rabat, focusing on reforming the Family Code to promote equality. The event gathered politicians, institutional representatives, associations, academics, and media professionals «to collaboratively envision a family legislation that is more just, equitable, and aligned with contemporary Moroccan realities». According to a press release, the conference is part of the project «A Just and Equitable Family Law for All Women», supported by the organization Diakonia. For the organizers, it represents «a significant milestone in the advocacy efforts led by Jossour FFM», with recommendations drawn from their memorandum, crafted after extensive consultations. «This document, the culmination of thorough collective work, sets the stage for a comprehensive reform of the Family Code, in line with the 2011 constitutional principles and Morocco's international commitments», the source noted. During the conference, participants highlighted «the necessity to dismantle the legal and social obstacles that impede the realization of women's rights». Discussions centered on «the shortcomings of the current Moudawana, the contradictions between some of its provisions and the equality principles enshrined in the Constitution», as well as «the concrete proposals offered by Jossour FFM to forge a more inclusive new family pact». Speakers unanimously agreed that «reforming the Family Code is now a social and political imperative, essential to ensuring equal rights and accompanying the profound transformations within Moroccan society». Beyond the conference, Jossour FFM aims to «establish a diverse and civic dialogue platform». This inclusive approach also seeks to «enhance civic and political engagement, placing the issue of Moudawana reform at the forefront of the national agenda». In this context, the successful execution of the conference underscores that «Moroccan society is prepared to collectively embrace a new family pact, grounded in justice, equality, and dignity for all women», the organizers stated. The organizers further emphasized that «the goal is not merely to amend legal articles, but to fundamentally rethink the legal and social frameworks governing family life in Morocco». They affirmed that the advocacy will persist «with institutions, political parties, and civil society to vigorously champion the recommendations from this conference».
Filipino Times
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Palace cites gov't programs for elderly amid push to penalize neglectful children
Malacañang urged the public to take note of existing government programs for senior citizens amid renewed discussions on the welfare of the elderly and a proposed Senate measure seeking to penalize children who abandon their aging parents. In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. continues to prioritize elderly Filipinos as part of the country's vulnerable sectors. 'Marami tayong mga programa para sa kanila. May discount sila sa MRT at LRT, at tinuturing silang priority sa tulong,' Castro said. The statement comes after Senator Panfilo 'Ping' Lacson refiled the 'Parents Welfare Act of 2025,' which aims to impose penalties on individuals who fail to provide support to their elderly, sick, or incapacitated parents. If passed into law, children who abandon their parents may face imprisonment of six to ten years and a fine of not less than P300,000. Asked about the Palace's position on the measure, Castro said the Family Code already mandates mutual support between children and parents, citing Article 194. 'May obligasyon ang anak na suportahan ang magulang, at ang magulang sa anak. Nasa batas na 'yan,' she explained. Castro added that a thorough review of the bill is necessary to determine the validity of criminalizing children who neglect their parents.
Filipino Times
15-07-2025
- Filipino Times
Supreme Court voids marriage over husband's concealed homosexuality, cites fraud
The Supreme Court (SC) of the Philippines has nullified a marriage after determining that the husband's concealment of his homosexuality from his wife constituted fraud, a valid basis for annulment. In a decision issued by the SC Second Division, the Court emphasized that marriage is a special and permanent union between a man and a woman, founded on mutual trust and the establishment of a family life. Under Article 45 of the Family Code, a marriage may be annulled if consent was obtained through fraud — including the deliberate hiding of one's sexual orientation. The case involved a couple who met online while the man was working in Saudi Arabia. They developed a relationship over social media and eventually met in person during the man's vacation in the Philippines in 2012. They later got married, though the woman noticed red flags early on, including his refusal to hold hands, kiss, or sit beside her. When questioned, the man claimed he was just shy. Despite being married, the husband continued to avoid physical intimacy and frequently argued to create distance. Two months after their wedding, he left again for overseas work and cut off communication entirely. In 2015, the woman discovered magazines containing images of scantily clad or nude male models among his belongings. When she confronted him, the man admitted to being homosexual. The woman then returned to her parents and filed for annulment. Both the Regional Trial Court and the Court of Appeals initially denied her petition. However, the Supreme Court reversed those decisions, ruling that the wife had successfully proven — through a preponderance of evidence — that her husband intentionally hid his sexual orientation before the marriage. The SC noted that Article 45 explicitly includes concealment of homosexuality as an act of fraud sufficient to annul a marriage, particularly when the couple did not continue living together after the deception was uncovered. In its decision, the Court pointed out that the man misled his wife into believing he was heterosexual and willing to fulfill the obligations of married life. 'With the lies and deception, coupled with their failure to cohabit as husband and wife, it is evident that [the man] merely tricked [the woman] to marry him,' the decision read. The Court further emphasized the significance of the man's confession and his silence throughout the proceedings. 'No woman would put herself in a shameful position if the fact that she married a homosexual was not true. More so, no man would keep silent when his sexuality is being questioned, thus creating disgrace in his name,' it added. The ruling, penned by Associate Justice Antonio Kho Jr., was promulgated in March 2025 and made public in July.
GMA Network
15-07-2025
- GMA Network
Hiding homosexuality from spouse is fraud, ground for annulment — SC
The Supreme Court (SC) has annulled the marriage of a woman whose husband hid his homosexuality, ruling that hiding one's homosexuality in marriage may be a ground for annulment. "Marriage is a special contract of permanent union between a man and a woman entered into in accordance with law for the establishment of a conjugal and family life," the SC Second Division said in an 8-page decision. "Thus, a marriage may be annulled when consent was obtained by fraud," it added. According to the court, the couple got together while the man was working in Saudi Arabia, a year after meeting each other on social media. He returned to the Philippines in 2012 for a vacation and they met in 2012. However, on their first date, the woman noticed that the man did not hold her hand or kiss her. He also avoided sitting beside her during meals or while commuting. In explanation for his behavior, the man said he was shy and lacked confidence. The SC said the couple had a long-distance relationship while the man was working in Saudi Arabia. However, after getting married, the SC said he continued to avoid intimacy and started arguments to avoid being close to her. He then returned overseas two months after the wedding and stopped communicating with his wife. In June 2015, the woman found magazines with half-naked and naked male models among her husband's things. The man admitted that he was homosexual when confronted, leading her to live with her parents. According to the SC, the woman then filed for annulment, claiming her consent to the marriage was based on fraud and she would not have married him if she knew. Both the regional trial court and the Court of Appeals denied her petition. For its part, the SC said the woman was able to prove by the evidentiary threshold of preponderance of evidence that the man concealed his homosexuality from her. It cited Article 45 of the Family Code, which states that a marriage can be annulled if one party's consent was obtained through fraud, as long as the couple did not continue living together after discovering fraud. The SC said Article 45 also further specifies that hiding one's homosexuality from a spouse is considered fraud. "With the lies and deception, coupled by their failure to cohabit as husband and wife, it is evident that [the man] merely tricked [the woman] to marry him by making her believe that he is a heterosexual," the SC said. The SC said it could not take lightly the man's admission and his silence. "No woman would put herself in a shameful position if the fact that she married a homosexual was not true. More so, no man would keep silent when his sexuality is being questioned thus creating disgrace in his name," it said. The decision, penned by Associate Justice Antonio Kho Jr., was promulgated in March and made public in July. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
