
Essaouira will host the 22nd edition of the Printemps Musical des Alizés from April 30 to May 3, 2026. This classical music festival, themed "dialogue," aims to celebrate music as a space for exchange and encounter. Over four days, twelve free concerts will take place in iconic Essaouira venues such as Dar Souiri, Bayt Dakira, and Salle de la Marche Verte. The festival's program is designed to be both accessible and demanding, appealing to both novices and experienced classical music enthusiasts. The opening concert will feature a piano trio, including pianist Lucas Debargue, alongside David and Alexandre Castrobalbi. Beyond the concerts, the festival emphasizes transmission through initiatives like the Matinée Jeunes Talents, which highlights a new generation of musicians, and the Alizés Conducting Academy, offering young conductors the opportunity to lead the Moroccan Philharmonic Orchestra. The theme of dialogue will also be explored through various formats, from the musical show "Le pianiste aux cinquante doigts" to symphonic evenings comparing Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich. A musical walk through the medina is also planned. Created in 2001, the Printemps Musical des Alizés is recognized as the only classical music festival in Morocco, known for its intimate atmosphere and program quality. Supported by the Ténor Foundation for Culture and the Essaouira Mogador Association, it has contributed to the cultural influence of Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for over two
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Abdellatif Jouahri, Wali of Bank Al-Maghrib, is advocating for economic performance to serve as a key driver for improving the living conditions of Moroccans. Citing a 4.9% growth in 2025, controlled inflation, and robust public finances, Jouahri believes that Morocco possesses a strong foundation to expedite necessary reforms.

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Bank Al-Maghrib's 2025 annual report emphasizes the need for more precise targeting of public aid in Morocco to balance social justice and public finance sustainability. The central bank notes significant disparities in living standards, with the wealthiest 20% of households spending over seven times more than the poorest 20%, and considerable gaps between urban and rural areas. The report highlights that universal subsidy mechanisms, such as the 18 billion dirhams spent on compensation in 2025, often benefit wealthier households due to their higher consumption levels. Similarly, the effectiveness of over 32 billion dirhams in tax expenditures, while sometimes having economic or social objectives, requires regular evaluation. Bank Al-Maghrib argues that improving aid targeting is not about reducing solidarity efforts but about optimizing public resources to primarily benefit those most in need. This approach is crucial as public spending is expected to rise due to expanded social protection, public service development, and upcoming reforms like pensions. The bank stresses the importance of preserving budgetary margins, as some exceptional revenues supporting public finances in recent years may not be sustainable. The report recommends general public expenditure reviews and systematic policy evaluations to optimize resource use, ensuring sustainable funding for social priorities without compromising budget stability. Ultimately, Bank Al-Maghrib supports Morocco's commitment to