Pensez le Futur.

His Majesty King Mohammed VI: Heir to a Tradition, Architect of Sovereign Modernity 7519

Aziz Daouda, 6 mois.

- Politique - Histoire - Societé -

2.6 min de lecture.

Long before the major transformations of the 1920s, Morocco experienced significant attempts at modernization under the reign of Hassan I (1873-1894). A visionary Sultan, Hassan I undertook reforms of the administration, strengthened the army, and developed infrastructure, notably roads and communications. His efforts encountered a conservative internal context, marked by resistance from the fouqahas (Islamic scholars) and elites attached to traditional structures. He also faced increasing pressure from European powers seeking to establish themselves in Morocco. These dual obstacles limited the scope of the reforms but nevertheless laid the foundations for gradual modernization. Before him, Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah, an enlightened 18th-century Sultan, had already played a major role in opening Morocco to the world. He notably founded and developed the port of Essaouira (then Mogador) in 1765, conceived as a strategic commercial hub to control foreign trade. Thanks to its geographic position and infrastructure, Essaouira quickly became an essential crossroads for exchanges between Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, and the Mediterranean, thereby strengthening the kingdom’s economic and diplomatic ties. Other sovereigns continued this dynamic. Moulay Abdelaziz (1894-1908) pursued certain military and administrative reforms despite increasing instability. Under the French protectorate, Moulay Youssef (1912-1927) had to navigate colonial domination while trying to preserve some Moroccan sovereignty. Ascending the throne in 1927 at only 19 years old, Mohammed V became a symbol of Moroccan resistance against the French protectorate. Rejecting colonial domination, he supported the nationalist movement, notably during his historic speech in Tangier in 1947, where he called for Moroccan unity and independence. Exiled from 1953 to 1955, his triumphant return marked the beginning of the end of the protectorate. In 1956, he proclaimed independence and laid the foundations of a sovereign Morocco. He then engaged in building a modern state by reforming institutions, unifying the territory, developing education, and initiating economic modernization, creating the Royal Armed Forces and other security bodies while affirming national cultural identity. Son of Mohammed V, Hassan II (1961-1999) consolidated the Moroccan state by establishing a constitutional monarchy and developing essential infrastructure. He skillfully combined tradition and modernity, strengthening national sovereignty while opening the country to foreign investment and international exchanges. Under his reign, Morocco made major advances in economic, social, and cultural fields, laying the groundwork for sustainable modernization and preparing the terrain for current transformations. Hassan II is remembered for gradually recovering the territorial integrity of the Kingdom in a difficult, even hostile, internal and international context. Under Mohammed VI, Morocco is undergoing a profound transformation, comparable in scale to that of the 1920s but within a sovereign and globalized context. His reign, marked by a clear vision and firm will, combines respect for traditions with openness to modernity. The country is investing massively in transport infrastructure: roads, high-speed trains, airports, and public and private facilities throughout the territory. Integration with Western economies has strengthened, making Morocco a preferred destination for foreign direct investment, attracting billions of dollars annually. Flagship projects, especially in preparation for the 2030 World Cup, are stimulating the development of sports, tourism, and cultural infrastructure, affirming the country’s international influence. At the same time, social and economic modernization is underway, with initiatives to improve education, health, innovation, and sustainable development, positioning Morocco within a global and modern dynamic. The country has simply tripled its GDP in less than twenty years. All this reflects continuity and renewal. Morocco is, in fact, in perpetual reinvention. The parallel between the major transformations of the 1920s and the era of Mohammed VI reveals a Morocco capable of constant reinvention. While the metamorphosis of the 1920s was dictated by a colonial context, today’s transformation is the fruit of a sovereign ambition, focused on balanced, inclusive, and sustainable development. It embodies the will of a sovereign with a multilateral vision. No domain is left aside or forgotten. The great projects of yesterday and today testify to an even stronger and more determined energy for transformation, with different goals: to move from a Morocco under tutelage, dependent and powerless in the face of circumstances, to a major player on the international stage, capable of attracting and cooperating with the world and building its future with confidence. Today, Morocco fits into a long tradition of historical metamorphoses. Each era has shaped a dynamic country, attempting modernity and ambitions, sometimes successful, sometimes aborted. Yet it has remained faithful to its millennial history and cultural heritage. Today it is rising, modernizing, and asserting itself as an emerging country on which one can rely. The Kingdom of Mohammed VI is thus ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century with boldness and determination, armed this time with institutions, clear and powerful visions and strategies. The royal will thus guides the country toward genuine development benefiting all, an indispensable geostrategic position, sustainable economic breakthroughs, a reliable political system, and truly irreversible progress.

Aziz Daouda

Directeur Technique et du Développement de la Confédération Africaine d'Athlétisme. Passionné du Maroc, passionné d'Afrique. Concerné par ce qui se passe, formulant mon point de vue quand j'en ai un. Humaniste, j'essaye de l'être, humain je veux l'être. Mon histoire est intimement liée à l'athlétisme marocain et mondial. J'ai eu le privilège de participer à la gloire de mon pays .

8100

33.0

Un Triptyque Historique : Comment le Maroc, l'Espagne et le Portugal Forgent le Succès de la Coupe du Monde 2030 49

Imad Khater, 1 j.

- Politique mondiale - Societé - Sports -

2.8 min de lecture.

L'attribution de l'organisation de la Coupe du Monde de la FIFA 2030 au trio inédit formé par le Maroc, le Portugal et l'Espagne marque l'ouverture d'un nouveau chapitre dans l'histoire des relations internationales et sportives. L'organisation conjointe de cet évènement consacre une dynamique sans pareil, engageant les trois nations dans une coopération triangulaire dont l'efficacité sera le marqueur décisif du succès de cet événement planétaire. Ce partenariat trilatéral transcende la simple collaboration logistique pour devenir un véritable levier de développement stratégique. La question n'est plus de savoir si les relations bilatérales sont prêtes, mais comment leur intégration en un cadre trilatéral renforcé garantira la réussite d'un méga-événement appelé à relier, pour la première fois, deux continents par le biais du sport. Les liens historiques et la proximité géographique confèrent aux relations entre ces trois partenaires un terreau propice à une intensification remarquable. L'annonce de leur candidature tripartite a, de fait, propulsé la nécessité d'une coordination harmonisée dans les domaines logistiques, économiques et sécuritaires au rang d'impératif stratégique I. Les Fondations Politiques et Économiques de la Coopération Renforcée L'alignement autour du projet 2030 n'est pas fortuit ; il s'ancre dans des considérations politiques et économiques profondes qui mutualisent les intérêts des trois pays. •⁠ ⁠L'Impératif de la Convergence ne souffre aucune ambivalence : l'Espagne et le Portugal, tout en s'inscrivant dans le cadre structurel de l'Union européenne, reconnaissent au Maroc le statut de partenaire stratégique incontournable, véritable porte d'entrée et pivot vers le continent africain. Cette dynamique n'est pas unilatérale ; le Royaume consolide, par cette même alliance, son ancrage eurafricain avec une netteté accrue. L'échéance du Mondial, loin d'être une simple contrainte calendaire, agit comme un puissant levier, forçant l'accélération — jugée souvent trop lente — des processus de convergence réglementaire, douanière et sécuritaire entre les trois capitales. Surtout, la volonté politique affichée au sommet — symbolisée par le suivi direct de Sa Majesté le Roi Mohammed VI des engagements marocains — s'érige en catalyseur décisif, garantissant l'établissement d'une ligne directrice unifiée et pérenne, même face aux contingences et aux fluctuations des majorités au sein des échiquiers politiques des États alliés. •⁠ ⁠La Mutualisation des Investissements et des Retombées : Sur le plan économique, le Mondial représente une opportunité sans précédent de dynamiser le commerce et l'investissement. Les accords trilatéraux influencent directement la planification des grands travaux : il ne s'agit plus de construire des infrastructures isolées, mais des réseaux intégrés (ports, liaisons aériennes, potentielles liaisons ferroviaires à grande vitesse) pensés pour l'interopérabilité. L'harmonisation des offres touristiques et des régimes fiscaux incitatifs pour les sponsors et les investisseurs est cruciale pour maximiser les retombées partagées. La réussite de la coordination dans les domaines logistiques, économiques et sécuritaires ne sera pas qu'un simple indicateur de performance ; elle sera le symbole d'une capacité collective à gérer un événement complexe à l'échelle transcontinentale. II. Gérer les Complexités : Les Défis du Codéveloppement Un événement de cette ampleur, opéré par trois États souverains, engendre naturellement des frictions et des défis de coordination qui nécessitent une gestion diplomatique et technique de premier ordre. •⁠ ⁠Le Défi de la Sécurité Globale et du Transport Intégré : Le premier obstacle est la création d'un espace sécuritaire unifié pour les millions de supporters en mouvement. Cela exige le partage d'informations en temps réel, la coordination des forces de l'ordre et l'harmonisation des protocoles d'urgence. Parallèlement, le système de transport doit être pensé comme un réseau unique. L'acheminement des équipes et des supporters entre l'Europe et l'Afrique doit être fluide, fiable et écologique, nécessitant des investissements ciblés dans les capacité d'accueil aéroportuaires et les dessertes maritimes. •⁠ ⁠Le Vecteur Culturel et Civilisationnel : Au-delà du sport, le Mondial est une plateforme diplomatique. Le défi secondaire, mais fondamental, est de dépasser la simple organisation technique pour présenter un modèle idéal de coexistence interculturelle. Le Maroc, l'Espagne et le Portugal doivent investir dans la promotion de leurs patrimoines croisés, consolidant les valeurs de paix et de respect mutuel. Cela implique la qualification des institutions nationales non seulement en logistique, mais aussi dans la gestion des publics et l'interaction médiatique mondiale, afin d'éviter les pièges d'une couverture fragmentée ou sensationnaliste. III. L'Influence Structurante des Accords Bilatéraux sur la Logistique L'influence des accords existants entre les trois pays est vitale pour le développement des infrastructures. L'étape actuelle est caractérisée par une forte attente des secteurs privés et des observateurs sportifs, qui guettent l'accélération concrète des chantiers. L'efficacité globale de l'opération, que l'on considère la phase pré-événementielle, l'exécution pendant le tournoi ou le legs post-réalisation, repose intégralement sur la solidité de l'engagement triangulaire. La transformation des infrastructures, des stades aux centres de formation et aux zones d'accueil, doit être menée dans un esprit d'alignement normatif. En conclusion, la Coupe du Monde 2030 n'est pas une simple somme de trois organisations nationales ; c'est un projet de co-développement stratégique. Les relations historiques et solides unissant le Royaume du Maroc, le Portugal et l'Espagne, amplifiées par une volonté politique constante et de haut niveau, constituent l'élément décisif pour transformer cette candidature en un succès retentissant, offrant au monde un précédent d'intégration réussie entre deux rives.

Law 30-09: A “Tree with Bitter Fruits” Hindering the Development of Moroccan Sports 96

Imad Khater, 3 j.

- Politique - Societé - Sports -

2.8 min de lecture.

While Morocco’s recent performances on the international stage—particularly in football—demonstrate its growing dynamism, the legal framework governing the sports sector seems unable to keep pace with this evolution. Conceived in the wake of the 2008 Royal Letter and enacted in 2010, Law No. 30-09, which was meant to modernize the national sports system, now reveals—fifteen years after its delayed implementation—serious limitations. Marked by internal inconsistencies, deficient enforcement, and pervasive state interference, the law ultimately undermines its original purpose: to professionalize Moroccan sport and align it with international standards. I. Excessive Requirements and Forgotten Sanctions Born from a clear political will to reform Moroccan sport and provide it with a modern legal framework, Law 30-09 has quickly become a rigid and impractical instrument. One of its most emblematic—and controversial—provisions is the obligation imposed on certain sports associations to establish sports corporations (Sociétés Anonymes). While the intent was to ensure sound governance, fiscal transparency, and executive accountability, practice has revealed the limits of this approach. •⁠ ⁠A disproportionate constraint. Most associations lack the financial and organizational capacity to comply with such structural obligations. •⁠ ⁠A flawed and inapplicable framework. The law establishes three non-cumulative conditions triggering the obligation to form a sports company. Only the first has been clarified by regulation, while the other two—relating to turnover and payroll—were never defined by governmental decree. As a result, the rule remains largely inoperative, especially since the penalties for non-compliance are systematically ignored. •⁠ ⁠An unfinished reform. Even among the few clubs that have complied, the parent association still holds the majority of the share capital. This structural lock prevents the opening of capital to private investors, thus maintaining dependency on the old associative model rather than promoting professionalization. II. The Persistent Shadow of the State: An Interference Contrary to Autonomy Principles By its very nature, sport is a sphere of autonomy, an ethos enshrined in the Moroccan Constitution and in the regulations of international organizations such as FIFA. Yet Law 30-09 establishes the supervising ministry as the true guardian of the sector, concentrating significant and often excessive powers: •⁠ ⁠An extensive right of scrutiny. The ministry approves statutes, grants accreditation, and confers authorization to national federations. •⁠ ⁠A pronounced power of interference. The administration may impose standard contracts and, more seriously, revoke authorization or dissolve a federation in the event of a “serious violation.” Such prerogatives contradict the spirit of the Constitution, which reserves this power to the judiciary. •⁠ ⁠Institutional omnipresence. A state representative must sit within the governing bodies of both the national federations and the Moroccan National Olympic Committee (CNOM), reinforcing state oversight at the expense of autonomy. This predominant executive control contradicts the principles of independence that underpin both national constitutional law and the global sports governance model. III. The Ambiguous Status of Athletes: The Law’s Major Omission Beyond institutional deficiencies, Law 30-09 exposes a serious legal vacuum regarding the status of athletes. The professional athlete’s contract is treated as an ordinary employment contract—an assimilation that raises significant difficulties. •⁠ ⁠The legislator had to create several exceptions to the Labour Code (five-year fixed-term contracts, exclusivity clauses, conditions for unilateral termination), resulting in an incoherent hybrid regime. •⁠ ⁠Although classified as “employees,” professional athletes do not enjoy the social protection and retirement benefits normally afforded to workers. •⁠ ⁠As for amateur athletes, their status remains completely unaddressed by the law. The provisions aimed at supporting athlete training and post-career reconversion are equally deficient. They are neither mandatory nor widely implemented, few training centers exist, and many athletes lack the educational background needed to benefit from such programs. IV. The Need for a Moroccan Sports Code Faced with these structural weaknesses, a piecemeal revision of the law is no longer adequate. The codification of sports law—through the adoption of a comprehensive Moroccan Sports Code—is now an imperative step toward supporting the country’s international ambition. Drawing inspiration from the French model, such a reform would serve several key purposes: 1.⁠ ⁠Clarifying and consolidating the dispersed legal texts, regulations, and case law to facilitate specialization among legal practitioners. 2.⁠ ⁠Correcting inconsistencies by redefining the jurisdictional competences of the State and creating a sui generis legal status for professional and amateur athletes. 3.⁠ ⁠Modernizing the legal framework by integrating fiscal and social regimes specific to sports entities and individuals. Despite its initial promise of modernization, Law 30-09 has become a “tree with bitter fruits.” Instead of fostering professionalism, it has constrained the sector and amplified its institutional fragility. Only a complete codification—reflecting Morocco’s socio-economic realities and the principles of good governance—can ensure a coherent, autonomous, and sustainable framework for the country’s sports development.