Morocco's king bows to pressure and allows reform

[alp227]

Source: The Guardian

Morocco's king, Mohamed VI, has responded to the Arab spring by rewriting his country's constitution and giving greater power to elected politicians but leaving him with a firm grip on security, the army and religious matters.

The draft constitution, which will be put to referendum on 1 July, sees some power being shifted away from the Arab world's longest-serving dynasty and from the tight clique of palace officials who dominate Morocco.

Among other measures, the new constitution explicitly states that the king will now have to pick the country's prime minister from the party that wins elections to what, up until now, has been a largely rubber-stamp parliament.

While the government gains executive powers, the 47-year-old monarch has kept exclusive control over the military and over religion.

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jun/18/morocco-king-reform

[Turborama]

1. Morocco's king bows to pressure and allows reform (after biggest protests in decades)

Source: The Guardian

Mohamed VI rewrites constitution and gives elected politicians greater power after biggest protests in decades

Giles Tremlett and Agencies in Rabat | Saturday June 18 2011

Morocco's king, Mohamed VI, has responded to the Arab spring by rewriting his country's constitution and giving greater power to elected politicians but leaving him with a firm grip on security, the army and religious matters.

The draft constitution, which will be put to referendum on 1 July, sees some power being shifted away from the Arab world's longest-serving dynasty and from the tight clique of palace officials who dominate Morocco.

Among other measures, the new constitution explicitly states that the king will now have to pick the country's prime minister from the party that wins elections to what, up until now, has been a largely rubber-stamp parliament.

While the government gains executive powers, the 47-year-old monarch has kept exclusive control over the military and over religion.

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jun/18/morocco-king-reform

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Morocco's King Mohamed VI, who announced the reforms in a TV address
Photograph: Azzouz Boukallouch/AP

[cally]

2. I traveled Morocco last year and

no one was willing to publicly criticize the King. I heard compliments about the many reforms he has made and the investment in infrastructure. He has instituted mandatory education for both boys and girls and has only one wife---which many men told us was amazing. At the time, I kept wondering whether people kept silent because they had to.

What I saw in Morocco was a country that was making some investments in infrastructure. I also saw many living as they have lived for a thousand years. I literally walked through a fort/apartment complex that was 2,000 years old. People still lived there. They just got electricity and running water during the past 5 years. I saw many boys/young men sitting watching goats or sheep all day or sitting all day in the hot sun by the side of a desolate hwy to see a few gallons of honey. The people need better opportunities although that apartment was the ultimate in green building. The thick walls and design worked well in the desert heat.

[Thaddeus Kosciuszko]

3. Surely, any meaningful reform should result in the elimination of the "office" of the King.

[pampango]

4. Sounds like progress. At least no tanks putting down demonstations.

At least so far, Morocco seems to have taken the path of reform rather than using force to keep a king/dictator in power.

Best of luck with your future, Moroccans. :)