Morocco’s King Mohammed VI: 23 Years of Reform and Challenges

From the outset of his coronation, Mohammed VI wants to be a "king of the poor," close to the people. By nature shy, the 23rd sovereign of the Alaouite dynasty established in Morocco since the 17th century, adopts a modern style of governance that earns him great popularity. The monarch develops a policy of liberalization of morals, but must nevertheless face the opposition of the conservatives. This led in 2011 to the election of the Islamist party, the Party of Justice and Development (PJD), at the head of the government, analyzes ARTE in a documentary.

The documentary highlights the contradictions related to the exercise of power. On the social side, the growing impoverishment of the people, which contrasts with the enrichment of the ruling caste, is denounced by the Moroccan press. The population, for its part, respects the Moroccan monarchy, guarantor of stability, but the absolutist nature of this regime poses a problem. For example, the reforms instituted by Mohammed VI at the beginning of his reign, all progressive, are imposed and religion can also conflict with the reformist desires of the king whose power is of divine essence.

Such a system of governance makes the kingdom fragile and inflammable, concludes the documentary, noting that demonstrations are regularly repressed in Morocco, a country whose tourist assets contrast with the reality of the population.