King Mohammed VI has ruled Morocco since the death of his father, King Hassan II, in July 1999. The latest ruler in a long dynastic line of Alawites, Mohammed VI is Morocco’s constitutional monarch and – because of his direct lineage with Prophet Mohammed, the founder of Islam – also serves as his country’s spiritual and moral guide.
During Hassan II’s 38-year reign, he introduced an elected chamber to the Parliament and endorsed multi-party politics. Today, the government is supported by a bicameral Parliament whose lower house consists of 325 members in the Majlis an-Nuwad (Chamber of Representatives), elected by popular vote for five-year terms; and the 270-seat Chamber of Advisors in the upper house, whose members are chosen for 9-year terms from professional associations, trade unions, and elected local councils. The Parliament is responsible for writing laws and earmarking funds for matters relating to society and the economy.
There are 29 officially recognized political parties in Morocco. The political leaning of a majority of these parties is left of center, but several parties – including the Movement Populaire, the country’s largest – are pro-monarchy. Islamists are represented by the Parti de la Justice et du Développement.
The King retains the authority to appoint or dismiss the Prime Minister and members of his cabinet. He also has the power to dissolve the legislature.
Since ascending to the throne in July 1999, King Mohammed VI has taken unprecedented steps to make the manner in which Morocco is governed more transparent and democratic.
“I have been keen to ensure that the modernization of the political landscape – with all it has achieved as regards the consolidation of the rule of law and the institution-based state – is backed up by structural reforms to give fresh impetus to the modernization and upgrading of the economy, and to enhancing social solidarity,” King Mohammed VI said on October 8, 2004, during his annual opening address to Parliament. “Morocco will remain attached to its civilized approach based on dialogue, openness, fulfillment of obligations, respect for good neighborliness and commitment to the stability of its strategic environment.”
Eight Near-Term Goals for Morocco:
- Final settlement of political tensions in the disputed southern territory of the Western Sahara.
- Consolidation of the democratic transition.
- Fostering principles of responsible citizenship through completion of education and training charters.
- Reform of religious and cultural domains.
- Drawing up a new social contract.
- Promoting rural development and the agricultural sector.
- Building a modern, productive and competitive economy in order to face the challenge of globalization and free trade.
- Enhancing the status of Morocco as an effective regional and international player.
Royal initiatives to support these goals include upgrading education and training institutions, relaxing rules governing political parties, promoting the use of public opinion polls, increasing press freedoms, promoting macroeconomic stability in order to attract international investment, enhancing the national infrastructure (roads, ports and airports), passing laws that offer greater protection to labor unions and implementing new immigration policies.
The king believes true political reform will not succeed until all Moroccans – “whether they are right-wing or left-wing” – understand that a responsible citizen embraces three complimentary beliefs: The value of having a well-rounded education, the importance of living in an open-minded culture and the necessity of practicing a faith that advocates tolerance.
More broadly, the King intends to rekindle closer relations between Morocco and Algeria, invigorate the moribund Arab Maghreb Union (a trade alliance between Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, and Tunisia), and strengthen Morocco’s trade and political ties with the United States and the European Union.
