المستخلص: |
As Morocco has been engaging in national debate about the new development model, the coronavirus pandemic hits the country as a unique and unprecedented plague. The current model has reached its limits and can no longer meet the citizens' fundamental needs and aspirations. Several shortcomings, such as the scope of social inequalities and territorial disparities and poor governance, are particularly pointed out. The alternative model sought is expected to tackle the country's most hindering factors and pave the way for comprehensive, sustainable, and inclusive development. In this respect, a national debate led by the Special Commission on the Development Model (CSMD) and based on a participatory approach involving a broad panoply of governmental institutions and non-governmental actors and citizens is taking place. This article aims to reflect on how Morocco could build on the lessons drawn from this exceptional pandemic to boost the public debate already underway and help complete the formulation of such a new development model before its implementation. Through a review of some critical stakeholders' contributions to this debate and an analysis of the significant out break's impacts and the country's response to handling the situation, major building blocks of Morocco's new model are put together and discussed. In a nutshell, in the current context of change and uncertainty, the coronavirus crisis should provide strong impetus and serve as a transition springboard to the long-awaited new development model.
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