Moroccan King Mohammed VI announced a series of constitutional reforms in a speech
on Friday night that he said will turn the North African country into a constitutional
monarchy, though pro-democracy activists remain sceptical.
The speech marked
the culmination of a three-month review of the 15-year-old constitution at the order
of the king after protests calling for reform swept the monarchy in February. The
reform also represents the king's response to the wave of pro-democracy fervour sweeping
the Middle East and North Africa that has toppled governments.
Under the new
constitution, the king will remain the supreme commander of the army and a new article
formalized him as the highest religious authority in the country.
“The project
also supports the human rights in all aspects, including a fair trial, no torture,
no detention, no disappearance, and we need to guarantee the freedom of expression,”
said the king.
Immediately after the speech ended, cars flying Moroccan flags
drove through the streets of the capital honking their horns, and young people marched
along the wide boulevards banging drums and cheering.
Morocco has long had
a parliamentary system with dozens of parties, but they remain weak and many are beholden
to the king and his advisers.
While the king himself remains popular, there
is deep dissatisfaction over the government and the advisers around the monarchy whom
are believed to be corrupt and greedy.
The new constitution will be put to
a referendum on July 1.