فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
The February 2025 session of the Fez City Council witnessed a heated debate on the integration of youth into political participation. Councilor Mohamed Khiyi emphasized the need for a legal and structured approach to youth engagement in politics, arguing that young people’s reluctance to participate is largely due to the tarnished image of politics, often associated with the country’s systemic challenges.
In his speech, Khiyi highlighted that Morocco’s political landscape suffers from significant imbalances that require precise diagnosis and genuine solutions rather than improvised initiatives lacking a legal foundation. He criticized what he called the “haphazard” establishment of a local youth advisory council within Fez’s municipal governance, warning that such an approach could lead to the exclusion of certain youth groups.
Khiyi also questioned the legal basis for determining membership criteria, citing a previous announcement that set the maximum age limit at 35 years before being withdrawn without a clear legal justification. He urged the council to develop a reference document that would ensure the inclusivity and fairness of this initiative.
In response, the Mayor of Fez defended the initiative, describing the youth advisory council as a “customary effort” rather than one strictly bound by legal frameworks. He sparked controversy by referencing the British Constitution, arguing that some major democracies operate more on traditions than written laws. This comparison led some council members to question the relevance of likening Morocco’s legal system to that of the United Kingdom, which is built on entirely different historical and political traditions.
The mayor insisted that the purpose of this initiative is to encourage youth involvement in politics rather than complicating the process with legal formalities. He noted that Fez aims to be a pioneer in youth integration through this “symbolic” step, even if it is not explicitly grounded in formal legislation.
source : fesnews media
