King Mohammed VI Faces Criticism for Expanding Real Estate Holdings Abroad Amid Growing Domestic Challenges
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- King Mohammed VI of Morocco has sparked widespread controversy by adding a new residence to his already extensive collection located outside the country. This time, the king plans to build the “Turquoise Waters Palace” in Zanzibar, amidst Morocco’s severe drought and escalating levels of poverty.
Morocco Grapples with Devastating Drought
Morocco heavily relies on its agricultural sector, constituting nearly 12% of the gross domestic product. However, the country is currently facing a crisis, experiencing five consecutive years of drought, jeopardizing food security and economic stability.
The drought not only impacts agriculture but also poses a threat to water supplies for the population. Per capita water availability has significantly decreased over the decades, dropping from 2500 cubic meters in 1960 to a mere 650 cubic meters per day. Projections for 2030 are even more concerning, anticipating a further decrease to 500 cubic meters per person if the current situation persists.
Despite significant investments in building dams, with 150 large dams totaling a capacity of 19 billion cubic meters, these water reserves are now critically low, with some completely dry. Water rationing measures have been implemented for households in certain regions, causing uncertainty about the future of many agricultural sectors. This water crisis exacerbates current poverty, worsened by rising inflation rates, particularly affecting food and fuel prices.
Growing Poverty and Inequality
According to the General Union of Moroccan Workers, poverty rates in Morocco have increased over the past two years, affecting 3.2 million Moroccan citizens. Notably, this crisis appears to have spared the wealthy class, deepening societal inequalities.
Morocco is classified among the countries with the highest levels of global inequality, with 50% of the country’s income concentrated in the hands of just 10% of the population, including distinguished royal court members and the royal family.
King Mohammed VI: Determination to Expand Royal Residences Beyond the Kingdom
Amid this unstable social backdrop, King Mohammed VI continues to dominate headlines for various reasons. Reports from the Moroccan news site Le Desk suggest that the king is currently building a luxurious residence in Zanzibar, an island in the Indian Ocean.
This recent acquisition of real estate abroad sharply contradicts the dire circumstances faced by vast regions of Morocco. Citizens affected by earthquakes continue to endure hazardous conditions while their king acquires additional residences outside their kingdom.
The King’s recent property acquisitions abroad starkly contrast with the hardships faced by many regions in Morocco. While citizens affected by earthquakes continue to endure hazardous conditions, their king acquires additional residences outside the kingdom.
This recent real estate venture sheds light on the controversial priorities of the Moroccan royal regime. While the country grapples with drought, poverty, and widening inequality, the king continues to expand his property holdings abroad. This situation raises questions about the royal regime’s commitment to the well-being of its citizens, prompting scrutiny of the management of the country’s resources and wealth distribution.
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