Morocco Protests Planned for 20 February.
In social media, calls to start major popular protests in Morocco on 20 February are gaining momentum. But, most likely inspired by Egypt. Several Facebook groups call for anti-government protest marches in Morocco on Sunday, 20 February, quickly gaining tens of thousands of supporters. Most groups, uniting under the name of the "Freedom and Democracy Now" movement, call for a radical constitutional reform in the kingdom and the introduction of real democracy.
The King Mohammed VI is popular and adored by large groups in Moroccan society. The demands are for a constitutional monarchy, in accordance with "the Spanish or British model", calls are also united for the current Moroccan government to vacate its offices, and prepare a new constitution and free and fair elections. In Morocco, democracy exists but is very limited. Parliament and government is dominated by the old socio-economic elite, close to the monarchy.
The King himself government personally directs key policies, including defence, security and foreign policies, and he has the initiative for the social and justice proyects. Only a few voices call for a Moroccan republic. Most call for a new constitution that will allow for true democracy.
Also on the internet, government seeks to find ways to strike back. Suddenly, Facebook groups in support of the Rabat regime and against marches are going rapidly. Some of these talk of pro-government marches to answer the anti-government movement.
The King Mohammed VI is popular and adored by large groups in Moroccan society. The demands are for a constitutional monarchy, in accordance with "the Spanish or British model", calls are also united for the current Moroccan government to vacate its offices, and prepare a new constitution and free and fair elections. In Morocco, democracy exists but is very limited. Parliament and government is dominated by the old socio-economic elite, close to the monarchy.
The King himself government personally directs key policies, including defence, security and foreign policies, and he has the initiative for the social and justice proyects. Only a few voices call for a Moroccan republic. Most call for a new constitution that will allow for true democracy.
Also on the internet, government seeks to find ways to strike back. Suddenly, Facebook groups in support of the Rabat regime and against marches are going rapidly. Some of these talk of pro-government marches to answer the anti-government movement.
But the main voices emerging from the Moroccan government are more reconciling. It could seem Rabat authorities would be willing to engage in dialogue with a pro-democracy movement before it comes to widespread unrest and violence. If this pro-democracy movement emerges, of course. Because for now, it remains a virtual movement.
Morocco protest: Inspired by Egypt, thousands protest on Moroccan streets.
Monday, 21 February 2011
Thousands of people flooded on to the streets of cities across Morocco, hoping to wrest some powers from the ruling monarchy in the first large protests inspired by events in Tunisia and Egypt.
At the front of the nearly thousand-strong crowd in Casablanca, excited youth held aloft a banner bearing the image of Mohammed Bouazizi, the Tunisian vegetable seller, whose self-immolation touched off the Arab revolt. They admired his sacrifice, but were revealingly modest in their demands.
A larger demonstration took place in the capital Rabat. Smaller protests took place in Marrakech and Tangiers.
Morocco protest: Thousands protest on Morocco king's allegiance day
RABAT
Thousands of Moroccans marched on Sunday to press the Arab world's longest-ruling dynasty to relinquish more of its change of the powers and stamp out corruption. The protests coincided with the ceremony, where hundreds of regional representatives renewed vows of obedience to King Mohammed the day after the anniversary of his enthronement.
Morocco's monarch acted promptly to contain any spillover from pro-democracy uprisings across the region, promising constitutional changes to reduce his powers on March 9, two weeks after protests spread to his country.
A referendum on July 1 endorsed a new constitution. But the changes have failed to end peaceful protests by the youth-led February 20 movement, which is pushing for a constitutional monarchy with the king as a figurehead.
In the capital Rabat, hundreds of protesters chanted the slogan "May God bless the life of my people" and carried placards demanding a "change that marks a break with the past".
The protest will continue to press for a parliamentary monarchy, freedom, social justice and dignity. The protest are in the country's biggest city Casablanca and they to express the rejection of corruption and rituals where people have to kneel. However, the king chairs cabinet meetings and controls the judiciary, religious affairs and the army. Then, if the protest people can dissolve parliament if it proposes laws that do not please him.
