King Mohammed VI of Morocco, the 62-year-old monarch, prepares to address his nation. In doing so, he reacts to escalating protests and increasing calls for reform. Spending much of the past summer in that new neighborhood’s coastal town of Tetouan, he recently cast a spell over the crowd in July there. This just-inaugural address is an extraordinary time. It comes in the wake of a public protest week, where demonstrators delivered a letter of demands to the palace, calling for major changes.
King Mohammed VI, for his part, has always maintained an artful arm’s length from public controversies. He abdicates representation more often to his ministers or other members of the royal family. The mood of anger expressed through protests is escalating in over a dozen Moroccan cities. The unrest has forced the king to take a more active role. Public frustration is coming from a lack of clear advancements and an increasing economic gap across our nation.
In his previous speeches, King Mohammed VI has echoed a great deal of determination to combat inequality. He would not roll over for a “two-speed country.” His term has been all about closing that economic divide. This devotion to the poor was key in his posthumous title “King of the Poor” many years past. With angrier-than-ever demonstrations erupting in every province, he has suddenly found himself under intense pressure to follow through on his vow.
Along with their creative displays, these protesters carried with them an inspiring letter of demands. They are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch and the release of political prisoners. The missive reflects sentiments echoed by various groups, including a coalition of 60 older intellectuals, dissidents, and activists who highlighted “the deep and structural causes of the anger shaking our country.”
King Mohammed VI prepares to address his people. History has given President Biden a unique opportunity to reflect on past eras of unrest and discord, and address the root causes of today’s grievances. The amplified tone of his message will strike a chord with an increasingly impatient citizenry that has made their frustrations known through protests.
Abdeslam Maghraoui, a political commentator, remarked on the duality of public sentiment:
“People are saying ‘Long live the king,’ but also showing they know he’s responsible and power lies in his hands.”
The youth of Morocco have made their voices heard, with a group known as Gen Z 212 issuing a plea for reform:
“We, the youth of Morocco, are requesting your majesty to intervene for a profound and just reform that restores rights and punishes the corrupt.”
The king’s next annual address will be an important opportunity to show he’s serious. He has called for improving the quality of life across social strata and locales. In previous remarks, he emphasized his satisfaction would only come if national accomplishments tangibly improved citizens’ lives:
“Regardless of the infrastructure built, and the level of economic development achieved, I would be satisfied only if our accomplishments contribute, in a tangible manner, to improving the living conditions of citizens from all social classes, and in all areas and regions.”
Now, Morocco stands at an important crossroads. Reversing course will require balance. King Mohammed VI now needs to send a message that reassures his most loyal and unflinching supporters whilst addressing the grievances of disillusioned citizens. His actions and responses will determine the future terrain of good governance movement and reform in a country so desperately seeking it.
