"When results are positive, political parties, politicians and officials vie for the spotlight to derive benefits from the achievements made, both politically and in terms of media exposure. However, when matters do not turn out the way they should, they hide behind the Royal Palace and ascribe everything to it," the Sovereign lamented in His Throne Speech, addressed on Saturday to the Nation.

In this regard, HM the King said that “the evolution witnessed in Morocco in the political domain and in the area of development has not led to the kind of positive reaction you would expect from political parties, leaders and government officials when dealing with the real aspirations and concerns of Moroccans,” noting that Morocco's development policy choices remain sound, however, the problem lies with mentalities that have not evolved as well as with the inability to implement projects and to innovate.

“As a result, citizens complain to the King about government services or officials that take too long to respond to their queries or process their cases, asking him to intercede on their behalf,” the Sovereign underlined, adding that “citizens are entitled to convincing answers - within reasonable timeframes - to their queries and complaints.”

“Given this situation, citizens are entitled to ask themselves: What is the use of having institutions, holding elections, forming governments and appointing ministers, walis, governors, ambassadors and consuls if they live on one planet, and the people and their concerns are on another one?,” the Sovereign noted, stressing that “the practices of some elected officials induce a number of citizens, especially young people, to shun political life and take no part in elections. Put simply, they do not trust politicians; indeed, some stakeholders have perverted politics, diverting it away from its lofty objectives.”

“If the King of Morocco is not convinced of the way political activity is conducted and if he does not trust a number of politicians, what are the citizens left with?,” the Sovereign wondered.

“To all those concerned I say: 'Enough is enough!’ Fear God in what you are perpetrating against your homeland. Either discharge your obligations fully or withdraw from public life. There are plenty of honest men and women in Morocco,” HM the King said.

“This situation can no longer be tolerated because the homeland’s interests and those of the citizens are at stake. I am choosing my words carefully here, and I know what I am saying because it comes after deep reflection,” the Sovereign warned.