The general secretary of the Istiqlal Party, Nizar Barakasounded the alarm regarding the worrying situation of the Moroccan youth. In a speech marked with frankness and lucidity delivered last Saturday, during a meeting organized in Casablanca on the occasion of 81st anniversary of the presentation of the Independence Manifestothe partisan leader spoke of the growing concerns of young people about their future. “These apprehensions are not only understandable, but deeply legitimate, in a context marked by persistent uncertainty and a crisis of confidence exacerbated by the rising unemployment and the price surge“, he said.
On Saturday October 5, 2024, the Istiqlal Party turned an important page in its history with the adoption by the national council of the list of 30 members of the new executive committee. This meeting, which is a continuation of the 18th national congress of the party held at the end of April, marks a significant renewal of the leadership with the arrival of 57% of new profiles, while ensuring continuity with the maintenance of historical figures. Nizar Baraka, secretary general, underlined the party’s desire to place itself “at the heart of the transformations and transitions that the country is experiencing”, in line with the Royal ambitions. This new team will have the mission of strengthening the role of Istiqlal on the constitutional and political levels, of defending the vital and strategic causes of Morocco, of contributing to the anchoring of democratic choice, while listening to citizens. and by pursuing a proximity policy at the territorial level.
To support his remarks, the leader independence shared some worrying statistics. The national unemployment rate stands at 21.3% according to the latest reports from High Commission for Planning. This proportion reaches a critical level of 39.5% among young people and it is just as alarming among women, with a rate of 29.6%. “It is a real scourge, and we are committed, within the government, to working for the integration of young people, whether they are qualified or not, so that everyone can find their place and contribute to the progress of their country” , affirmed Mr. Baraka, emphasizing the need for the Kingdom to know how to take advantage of the demographic dividend from which Morocco still benefits. “It is imperative to offer our youth a global, integrated and coherent approach, capable of freeing and channeling their energies towards the different strategic sectorsessential to the projects of today and tomorrow,” he pleaded, emphasizing the urgency of investing in this driving force for national development.
Erosion of the middle class
On another note, the leader of the balance party emphasized the impact of digital revolution and of artificial intelligence which now constitute another source of worry for young people. “If these technological developments offer unprecedented opportunities, they also widen a gap between young people in advanced countries and ours. They also threaten many traditional jobs and compromise current and future employment opportunities,” warned Mr. Baraka, calling for active preparation in the face of these profound transformations.
Social media in the dock
In conclusion, Nizar Baraka outlined an ambitious solution to restore hope to Moroccan youth. He called for a paradigm shift, saying the objective causes of young people’s concerns will not disappear on their own. “These problems can only be overcome if young people abandon their wait-and-see posture and become proactive actors, capable of formulating solutions, proposing alternatives and engaging in the dynamics of change, including on the political level,” he explained.
To realize this vision, the Istiqlal Party proposes to set up a “advanced social contract» with youth. This pact would aim to offer them, on the one hand, the means to access autonomy, personal development and creativity, and, on the other hand, to equip them with the necessary skills and tools to actively participate in public life and social dynamics. “It is only by giving young people the place they deserve that we can build a better future for our country,” concluded Baraka with optimism.
