Morocco’s Left Alliance links Ceuta migration attempts to youth disillusionment

Young Moroccans’ attempts to reach Ceuta dominated the Left Alliance’s election platform launch Tuesday, as its leaders argued that the departures reflected a loss of confidence in the country’s future.

The alliance, comprising the Federation of the Democratic Left and the Unified Socialist Party, presented its programme ahead of the September 23 legislative elections.

Federation leader Abdessalam El Aziz said railway stations and other transport hubs had filled with young people seeking to leave during the Ceuta events.

“Young people wanted to emigrate because they no longer had confidence in their country and its future,” he said, urging political, economic and social actors to use the election to confront questions about Morocco’s direction.

El Aziz also reaffirmed the alliance’s demand for the return of Ceuta and Melilla to Moroccan sovereignty, describing it as central to its programme.

Unified Socialist Party leader Jamal El Asri argued that Morocco’s structural problems required political courage and a break with piecemeal reforms, particularly amid rapid technological, environmental and geopolitical change.

Calling for an open debate about the state, economy and society, he said the alliance sought stronger institutions, less concentrated power, an economy rewarding production over unearned privilege, and greater equality and social justice for citizens.