Abstract

This article focuses on the reform policies enacted by Mohammed VI, king of Morocco, in response to the uprisings which took place during the Arab Spring. The main thrust of the article centers on the reforms of the Constitution and on the role these reforms played in providing a concrete response to the democratic demands put forward by the February 20th Movement. The article presents an analysis of an extremely complex situation: Morocco is a country with specific political, social and religious characteristics, ruled by a Sovereign who has been legitimized both politically and religiously, and with a constitution which has been amended. The final objective is to understand whether the situation in Morocco has effectively changed or whether the demands for democratization have simply been disregarded. The main question is still very much open; it concerns the new Constitution and its ability to stem the progressive spread of protests throughout the Moroccan region. In terms of modus operandi and the violence of the staked claims, such uprisings may well resemble those which spread across the entire north African area. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n10p710

Abstract

<jats:p>The paper concerns the process of constitution-making and relates to some constitutional changes adopted in Morocco in the aftermath of the Arab Spring. The author focuses on the content of the new constitution of 29 July, 2011 and takes into consideration the most important provisions connected with the system of government. The author emphasizes the strengthening of the position of the government headed by the prime minister and pays attention to the parliamentary components of the new basic law. However, the conclusion is that the constitutional reforms of 2011 do not go too far and have their clearly visible limits.</jats:p>

Abstract

ABSTRACT After 2011, several Arab states initiated decentralisation reforms to address the demonstrators’ demands for more participative governance and more efficient public services. Taking Morocco's new decentralisation reform as a case in point, this article assesses the requirements for, and impediments to, progress. It discovers that the reform articulates important democratic principles and formally opens new spaces of action that may facilitate more efficient and participative governance. However, historical legacies of centralised control, few opportunities for participation, low institutional capacities and weak accountability, and also unclear regulations within the reform, are still hindering effective decentralisation. The potentially positive impact of current reforms on political liberalisation is thus uncertain. Recent uprisings in the Rif region are symptomatic of the neglect of regional inequalities and grievances, and of related dissatisfaction. They also illustrate that increased regional autonomy can only alleviate the structural problems in the longer term and when thoroughly implemented.

Abstract

Historically, Morocco experienced widespread political repression during the 1970s through to the early 1990s. Through its exploitations, the monarchy regime repressed any claims aimed at challenging its authoritarian form of public space and debate. Encouraged by the uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt, and the Arab Spring, young Moroccans began to organise extensive demonstrations across the country demanding that a more substantive democracy, social justice and an anti-corruption mechanism be put in place. The 20 February movement, named after the first demonstration held on that date in 2011, is a worthy illustration of one of the latest social movements characterised by a concentrated use of technology and their disseminated membership. King Mohammed VI, Commander of the Faithful and the highest authority in Morocco, promised in a televised speech to introduce radical and genuine constitutional reforms that would democratise the country. This article describes the historical trajectory of the monarchy, the emergence and structuring of the 20 February movement and the neutralization strategy pursued by the monarchy in bringing about a constitutional change.