While Morocco's regime has thus far escaped the 'Arab Spring' relatively unscathed after King Mohamed preemptively announced a new constitution, political reforms, and new elections, there remains much public anger against the makhzen. (The 'makhzen' is the king's cadre of secretive advisors who are known for their domination of Moroccan politics and economy.)
Since the Islamist PJD won elections on a platform of anti-corruption and economic growth, Morocco watchers have been holding their breath, waiting for a confrontation with the makhzen.
In rare public criticism, Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane spoke out against the makhzen after his plans for reform of the state-run television was walloped in the press by those close to the palace.
"The Arab Spring is not over yet," said Benkirane. "It is still wandering about and may feel like coming back. In this country, even the monarchy itself needs citizens who seek reform...Kings are not always surrounded by the right kind of people, they can actually be surrounded by foes who become the first to desert them."
Benkirane later tried to walk back his criticism, but he was voicing a widely-shared feeling amongst Moroccans.
While it remains doubtful the PJD-led government is able to make real gains against the makhzen, a public airing of the palace's dirty laundry will at least maintain pressure on the king to maintain the pace of reforms and reign in his advisors. The makhzen's continued shady role in Morocco society hints that the reforms have been largely cosmetic, as they do not address the real problems in the Moroccan political sphere.
Since the Islamist PJD won elections on a platform of anti-corruption and economic growth, Morocco watchers have been holding their breath, waiting for a confrontation with the makhzen.
In rare public criticism, Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane spoke out against the makhzen after his plans for reform of the state-run television was walloped in the press by those close to the palace.
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| Abdelilah Benkirane |
"The Arab Spring is not over yet," said Benkirane. "It is still wandering about and may feel like coming back. In this country, even the monarchy itself needs citizens who seek reform...Kings are not always surrounded by the right kind of people, they can actually be surrounded by foes who become the first to desert them."
Benkirane later tried to walk back his criticism, but he was voicing a widely-shared feeling amongst Moroccans.
While it remains doubtful the PJD-led government is able to make real gains against the makhzen, a public airing of the palace's dirty laundry will at least maintain pressure on the king to maintain the pace of reforms and reign in his advisors. The makhzen's continued shady role in Morocco society hints that the reforms have been largely cosmetic, as they do not address the real problems in the Moroccan political sphere.
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