Morocco: Al Maghribia

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# TODAY'S MEDIA TRENDS


ALMAGHRIBIA


# TODAY'S MEDIA TRENDS


ALMAGHRIBIA


S E P T E M B E R 26,2026


MOROCCO CONSOLIDATES ITS
SAHARAN SOVEREIGNTY CLAIMS
THROUGH A MAJOR UN
DIPLOMATIC OFFENSIVE WHILE
FACING A FRAGMENTED DOMESTIC POLITICAL LANDSCAPE FOLLOWING THE 2026LEGISLATIVE


# DAY-AT-A-GLANCE


September 26,2026,was characterized by a heavy state-driven narrative focusing on two pillars:the finalization of the September 23rd legislative election results and a broad diplomatic blitz at the United Nations General Assembly.Domestically,the Ministry of Interior confirmed the victory of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM),which secured 97seats,followed by the National Rally of Independents (RNI)and Istiqlal.A significant development is the resurgence of the Justice and Development Party (PJD),which quadrupled its representation to 54seats but strategically opted for the opposition,signaling a potential period of parliamentary friction.Despite the celebration of 103women entering parliament,a historically low voter turnout of 38%suggests a persistent gap between the


political elite and a populace grappling with economic pressures like inflation and water


On the international stage,Rabat is leveraging the 80th and 81st sessions of the UN General Assembly to finalize global recognition of its sovereignty over the Moroccan Sahara.High-level reaffirmed support from the United States,alongside Peru's decision to open a consulate in Dakhla,represents a significant shift in Latin American and Western posturing.This is coupled with a "soft power"push highlighting Morocco's religious influence through Sufi orders (Tijania)in West Africa,positioning the Kingdom as a spiritual and economic hub for the "Atlantic Initiative"aimed at Sahelian states.However,the domestic focus on agricultural sovereignty at the SIAM trade fair underscores the underlying vulnerability of the Moroccan economy to climate-driven


# MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS


# Legislative Election Finalization and Coalition Maneuvering


The Ministry of Interior confirmed final
results for the September 23,2026,elections,showing PAM leading with 97seats,followed by RNI (66)and Istiqlal (65).
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The PJD made a significant comeback,
increasing its seat count from 13to 54seats,but the party's leadership under Abdelilah Benkirane has formally announced it will lead the "national opposition."
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A record 103women obtained seats in the
new parliament,a milestone highlighted as a redefinition of the Kingdom's political map.
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Negotiations for a majority government
require reaching the 198-seat threshold,with analysts suggesting a likely renewal of the previous coalition but with new internal power dynamics.
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# US and Latin American Diplomatic Breakthroughs


U.S.Sub-Secretary of State Christopher
Landau reaffirmed Washington's commitment to Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara and the development of the region.
Peru announced the opening of a consulate in Dakhla,viewing the city as a strategic gateway for Latin American products into African markets.
Morocco is actively campaigning for nonpermanent membership in the UN Security Council for the 2027-2028term.
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# Strategic Resource Management and Agricultural Policy


The International Agricultural Fair (SIAM)
in Meknes highlighted the "Green Generation"strategy,focusing on food sovereignty and climate resilience.
Research initiatives at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University are prioritizing saline-resistant crops and sustainable irrigation to combat recurring droughts in the south.
Regional water and energy projects in Africa were central to discussions at the Asilah cultural ,مسوم��ومlinking strategic projects to African development goals for 2030.
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# KEY GOVERNANCE TOPICS


# Leadership Dynamics &Governance


The confirmation of the election results
moves the focus to King Mohammed VI's
appointment of a Head of Government from the winning party (PAM).
The PJD's decision to join the opposition is framed as a strategy to rebuild the party
away from the "wear and tear of power."
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# Diplomacy &Statecraft


Morocco conducted a "diplomatic
marathon"at the UN,meeting with ministers from Suriname,St.Kitts and Nevis,Barbados,and South Sudan to consolidate support for its territorial integrity.
Relations with Spain remain anchored in the April 2022declaration,though tensions persist regarding the repatriation of irregular migrants and minors.
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# Climate &Extreme Weather


Domestically,the government is
accelerating the energy transition and water desalination projects to stabilize the agricultural sector.
The "North-Easter"storm in the United States,causing flight cancellations and flooding in New York,was noted as a significant international weather disruption.
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# Macroeconomics &Trade


The Dirham showed volatility against major
currencies,rising against the Euro but falling against the US Dollar due to global energy market shifts.
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The fishing sector in Laayoune reported a
36%increase in volume,reaching a market value of 1.35billion Dirhams.
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# DEEP DIVE:TRENDS AND THEMES


# The "Spiritual Bridge":Sufism as Geopolitical Anchor


Morocco is increasingly weaponizing its religious history,specifically the Tijania Sufi order,to maintain deep ties with West African elites.By positioning Fez as the spiritual capital for millions of Senegalese and Malians,Rabat creates a layer of "human security"that transcends political regimes.This religious diplomacy serves as a buffer against extremist ideologies and a foundation for the King's "Atlantic Initiative,"which seeks to grant landlocked Sahelian states access to the


# Technocratic Governance vs.Populist Resurgence


The election results display a tension between the technocratic efficiency of parties like PAM/RNI and the populist recovery of the PJD.While the state emphasizes the inclusion of 103women and successful technical management of elections,the PJD's decision to lead the national opposition suggests that the next government will face heightened scrutiny on social issues and the "high cost of living,"which the PJD intends to exploit to regain its 2011-era


# INTERNAL DYNAMICS &DOMESTIC INSTABILITY


# Political Legitimacy and Participation


The national voter turnout of 38.08%is a
sharp decline from the 50.35%seen in 2021,indicating a growing detachment of the youth and urban populations from the electoral process.
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In contrast,the Southern Provinces
(Laayoune,Dakhla)saw exceptionally high turnout,reaching 77%,which state media characterizes as a popular referendum on Moroccan identity in the Sahara.
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# Social Pressures and Public Services


Public demands are centered on job
creation and education,with unemployment remaining a critical pressure point despite GDP growth targets.Health governance is pivoting toward supportive care for cancer,acknowledging the need for higher quality of life in public
health outcomes beyond basic treatment.
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# EXTERNAL DYNAMICS &GLOBAL POSTURE


# Morocco as a Multipolar Hub


The broadcasting highlights Morocco's strategy of diversifying alliances.While the U.S.remains the primary security guarantor for the Sahara,Morocco is courting Latin American states (Peru,Chile,Bolivia)and Central Asian/Eastern European interests (Armenia).The framing of the Atlantic Initiative as a global logistical solution portrays Morocco not just as a regional power,but as a critical link in the global supply chain,particularly for energy and


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# Navigational Security in Global Trade


Rabat is closely monitoring the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab,acknowledging that its own economic security depends on global maritime stability.The broadcast frames the protection of these corridors as a "shared responsibility,"aligning Morocco with GCC and Western interests in maintaining open trade routes amidst the Yemeni and Russo-Ukrainian


# THE ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT


The Moroccan economy is navigating a period of currency adjustment and sector-specific growth.Bank Al-Maghrib reports a stable but high level of non-performing loans,particularly among private companies,which may constrain future credit


Currency:The Dirham rose 0.2%against
the Euro but fell 0.6%against the Dollar in the July-August 2026window.
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Debt:Non-performing loans reached 8.1%of total bank loans;specifically,a 1.6%rise for private firms and 6%for households.•


Global Outlook:The OECD raised its
global growth forecast to 2.9%for the current year,citing AI investments and energy price stabilization.
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Agriculture:The SIAM fair emphasized
the Green Generation strategy,aiming to build a food-sovereign model by 2030.
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Energy Costs:Fuel prices reaching 15
Dirhams per liter remain a significant domestic concern and a driver for the energy transition.
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# LEADERSHIP CHANGES


The electoral shift has reordered the political hierarchy,favoring technocratic conservatives


while signaling a generational handover in the media and opposition


PAM (Authenticity and Modernity Party):Emerging as the primary victor,the party's collective leadership is now the main candidate to form the government.•


Abdelilah Benkirane (PJD):Retains
control over the PJD,choosing to position it as the sole coherent opposition voice to the incoming coalition.
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Hamid Berrada:The death of this
prominent journalist at age 87marks the end of an era for Franco-Maghrebian political analysis.
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Christopher Landau:Re-emerging in a
high-level U.S.State Department role (SubSecretary),signaling a continuity of Trumpera pro-Morocco policies in the current U.S.administration.
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# EDITORIAL POSTURE &STORY HIERARCHY


Almaghribia's editorial stance is overtly nationalistic,prioritizing diplomatic "victories"at the UN and the successful execution of elections.The Lead Stories throughout the day were consistently the U.S.reaffirmation of Saharan sovereignty and the final election seat counts.The network emotional tone is one of stability and "historical milestones."However,Buried Stories include the specifics of the 38%voter turnout—which is mentioned but not interrogated for its roots in social discontent.Conspicuous Omissions include any detailed reporting on the ongoing cost-ofliving protests or the specifics of the maritime security risks in the Red Sea,which are only mentioned in the context of Saudi statements at the


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GEOPOLITICAL FRAMING


Morocco is portrayed as the stable center of a turbulent region,a "model"of religious tolerance and diplomatic


# COUNTRIES


United States:Framed as a steadfast,
centennial ally whose recognition of the Sahara is "irreversible"and increasingly focused on economic implementation."We reaffirm the centennial friendship...for greater cooperation under Moroccan sovereignty"(Landau).
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Peru:Portrayed as a pragmatic convert
to Moroccan interests,abandoning "separatist"support in favor of economic access to Africa (Al-Ghali).
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Spain:Framed as a necessary but
difficult partner.The broadcast emphasizes that delays in migrant repatriation are due to "Spanish internal debates and obstacles,"not Moroccan will (Bourita).
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Senegal and Mali:Depicted as spiritual
satellites whose relationship with Morocco is defined by deep-rooted Sufi ties and shared religious moderation (Tijania features).
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# LEADERS


King Mohammed VI:Framed as the
visionary architect of both domestic development (Green Generation)and international strategy (Atlantic Initiative)(African diaspora perspective).
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Nasser Bourita:Portrayed as a hyper-
competent diplomat managing dozens of bilateral files simultaneously to secure the "National Cause"(UNGA coverage).
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# INFORMATION WARFARE ENVIRONMENT


Narrative Seeding:The broadcast
repeatedly uses the term "fictitious conflict"to describe the Sahara issue,aiming to delegitimize any counter-claims as historical anomalies that are now being corrected by global powers (Bourita's summary).
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Domestic Messaging:The focus on the
"103women"in parliament is used as a shield against criticism of the low voter turnout,framing the election as a qualitative victory for progressivism even if quantitative participation was low (Election special).
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Soft Power Projection:Extensive
coverage of the Tijania order in Senegal and Mali serves to legitimize Moroccan influence in West Africa as something "organic"rather than imperialistic (Sufism documentary).
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# HYPOTHESES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK


Coalition Formation:A new government
will likely be formed within 4weeks,led by PAM,but the PJD's presence in the opposition will force the government to adopt more populist economic measures to maintain social peace.
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Diplomatic Expansion:Morocco will
likely secure at least two more Latin American or African consulates in the Sahara by the end of 2026,further isolating the Polisario Front.
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Resource Scarcity:If winter rains fail,the "Green Generation"strategy will face its first major test,potentially leading to increased state subsidies for desalination and grain imports to prevent rural unrest.•


# STRATEGIC FORESIGHT


Short Term (1-4Weeks):Intense horsetrading between PAM,RNI,and Istiqlal will occur.Expect the announcement of a "broad majority"coalition that excludes the PJD but includes smaller parties like USFP to ensure the 198-seat threshold is comfortably met (Constitutional


Medium Term (1-6Months):Morocco will use its UNGA momentum to push for a favorable UN Security Council resolution in October.Domestic policy will shift toward inflation control as the 15-Dirham fuel price becomes the primary political target for the PJD opposition (Consumer advocacy


Long Term (1-5Years):The "Atlantic Initiative"will transform Dakhla into a regional hub,but this will require massive infrastructure investment and could heighten tensions with regional rivals if the Sahelian states pivot too sharply toward Rabat's orbit (Geopolitical


# RISK ASSESSMENT


The primary risks to the Kingdom involve a decoupling of diplomatic success from


domestic economic reality,which could be exploited by a resurgent religious


Social Instability via Cost of Living:
Rising energy and food prices could trigger urban unrest.Triggers:Fuel prices exceeding 18MAD/liter or further crop failure.Likelihood:Moderate.Impact:High.Mitigations:Targeted subsidies and acceleration of the social protection program.
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Water Bankruptcy in Southern
Agriculture:Recurring drought could collapse the "Green Generation"goals.Triggers:A third consecutive year of belowaverage rainfall.Likelihood:High.Impact:Extreme.Mitigations:Massive investment in desalination and solar-powered irrigation.
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Political Gridlock:A fragmented
parliament could delay critical reforms.Triggers:Failure of PAM to secure a stable coalition with RNI/Istiqlal.Likelihood:Low.Impact:Moderate.Mitigations:Direct intervention by the Monarchy to facilitate consensus.
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Regional Security Spillovers:Instability
in Mali or Niger could disrupt the Atlantic Initiative.Triggers:Further coups or major terrorist offensives in the Sahel.Likelihood:Moderate.Impact:High.Mitigations:Enhanced intelligence sharing and religious soft power.
•


International Debt Pressure:Rising non-
performing loans could lead to a banking sector squeeze.Triggers:Global interest rate hikes or a drop in phosphate prices.Likelihood:Moderate.Impact:Moderate.Mitigations:Central bank intervention and tighter fiscal policy.
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# GAPS &BLIND SPOTS


Voter Apathy Context:The broadcast fails
to analyze why 62%of the electorate stayed home,leaving a major blind spot regarding the depth of popular frustration with the current political class.
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Sahel Military Realities:While the
"Atlantic Initiative"is praised,there is no mention of the security risks for Moroccan infrastructure in regions currently plagued by jihadist activity.
•


PJD-PAM Animosity:The history of
ideological conflict between the winning PAM and the PJD is minimized,ignoring the potential for polarized legislative gridlock.
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Spanish Tensions:The report frames
Spanish delays on migration as purely internal "obstacles,"ignoring potential Moroccan cooperation lapses or bilateral leverage tactics (Bourita's framing).
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# CONTRARIAN NARRATIVE SCENARIOS


The "Illusion of Sovereignty":While the US and Peru offer diplomatic wins,a contrarian view suggests these are symbolic gestures that do not resolve the ground-level military stalemate.A "Black Swan"event would be a sudden U.S.policy reversal under a new administration or a major escalation by regional actors that forces a UN peacekeeping rethink,potentially trapping Morocco in a permanent "development"sinkhole in the


The PJD "Trojan Horse":The PJD's retreat into opposition may not be a sign of weakness but a calculated move to let the PAM-led coalition bear the brunt of the coming economic crisis.By remaining untainted by


the next four years of potential austerity,the PJD could position itself for a landslide in 2030,effectively ending the current technocratic


# RECOMMENDATIONS &IMPLICATIONS


# For Statecraft/Public Sector:


Prioritize water security infrastructure
as a national security emergency to ensure the "Green Generation"strategy remains viable despite climate volatility.
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Leverage the Security Council candidacy
to position Morocco as the bridge between the Global South and the West,particularly on food security and counter-terrorism.
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Address the participation gap by
reforming local governance to reconnect with the 62%of non-voters before the 2030cycle.
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# For Private Sector/Investors:


Focus on Ag-Tech and Desalination
sectors,which are receiving prioritized state funding and research support (SIAM Fair findings).
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Monitor Dakhla's logistical expansion as
a long-term opportunity for Atlantic-bound trade,particularly for Latin American firms seeking African entry.
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Prepare for currency volatility as the Dirham continues to be influenced by EuroDollar fluctuations and energy import costs.•


# LEGISLATIVE ROUNDUP


The period following September 23,2026,is dominated by the administrative and legal certification of the new parliament.The


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Ministry of Interior has concluded the formal tallying process,passing the mandate to the Constitutional Court for final validation of seat allocations and any subsequent


# BILLS/POLICIES DISCUSSED:•


Organic Law on the House of
Representatives:Article 96was invoked to allow candidates to review vote tallies and file appeals within 8days.
◦


Article 47&88of the Constitution:
Discussions focused on the legal requirements for forming a government and securing a vote of confidence based on a specific program.
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April 2022Joint Declaration:Remains
the binding treaty-level framework for all Morocco-Spain relations,covering migration and territorial waters.
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# HEARINGS &PRESS EVENTS:•


Ministry of Interior Statement:
Confirmed that final regional and provincial countings perfectly match provisional results.
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UNGA Bilateral Marathon:Nasser
Bourita held meetings with over a dozen foreign ministers to secure Sahara support.
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SIAM Press Conference:Highlighted
the success of the 40intellectual and artistic symposiums held during the agricultural fair.
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# KEY STORIES


Official Confirmation of 2026Election
Results:PAM wins 97seats,RNI 66,Istiqlal 65,and PJD 54.The process is now in the appeals and coalition phase.
•


U.S.Reaffirmation of Sahara
Sovereignty:Christopher Landau reiterates Washington's support for Moroccan sovereignty at the UN in New
York.
Peru Consulate in Dakhla:Peru announces plan to open a consular mission in the southern provinces to boost trade.
PJD Strategic Opposition:Benkirane's party opts for opposition despite winning 54seats,aiming to strengthen its influence outside the government.
Women in Parliament Milestone:Record 103women win seats in the legislative body.
Morocco-Spain Relations Update:Bourita confirms the April 2022principles remain the basis for cooperation,despite migration-related hurdles.
International Agriculture Fair (SIAM):Focus on food sovereignty and the Green Generation 2020-2030strategy.
Sufi Religious Diplomacy:Features on the Tijania and Muridiya orders in Senegal and Mali and their historical ties to Fez.
Bank Al-Maghrib Economic Report:Data shows Dirham volatility and a rise in
household debt.
Fishing Sector Growth:Laayoune port reports a 36%increase in fish landings.
OECD Global Growth Forecast:Global growth estimated at 2.9%for 2026.
Historical Museum of Casablanca:Feature on the Villa Carl Fieg and its
transformation into a memory museum.
Aleppo Market Restoration:Syrian efforts to rebuild the historical markets of Aleppo after years of war.
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Obituary:Hamid Berrada:Tributes to
the veteran journalist who passed away at 87.
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AFCON 2027Qualifiers:Morocco defeats Gabon 2-0in their opening match.•


Asilah Cultural Season:Symposiums on water and energy challenges in Africa.•


Childhood Education Initiative:Ministry
of Education promotes free early childhood schooling across the Kingdom.
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Jebel Ayachi Exploration:Geographic
and tourist feature on the Midelt region and Jebel Ayachi mountain range.
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U.S.Weather Crisis:The "North-Easter"
storm causes mass flight cancellations in the US Northeast.
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Harmonica Craftsmanship:Feature on
the 100-year history of artisanal harmonica making.
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# ABOUT THIS REPORT


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