Prior to Morocco's pro-democracy demonstrations, I wasn't exactly sure what news reporters meant when they were saying "Morocco is the exception" with regards to the current unrest sweeping the MENA region, but I do now.
One major difference between Morocco and most countries in the MENA region is that Morocco is ruled by a king, who is widely regarded as reformer and far from being a tyrant the likes of Gaddafi, Ben Ali or Mubarak.
Although here is at least one Moroccan who firmly disagrees with that claim and goes on camera talking smack to the king, telling him to get off his high horse and level with the people. He denies seeing any meaningful reforms done by the king and tells him the days of the sultanates a long gone, these are different times, do like the monarchs of Holland and Britain do, mingle with the people, find out first hand what they need and want....and he goes on and on.
Anyway, the dude sounds kind of full of himself and needs to get off his high horse if you ask me.
I followed the February 20 demonstrations all day long yesterday via Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and various news outlets. At the end of the day I was left with mixed feelings, happy, excited and disappointed at the same time. I have never seen that many Moroccan people taking to streets, expressing their views freely and making demands for a better Morocco. Truly wonderful to see. Throughout the day, there were many conflicting reports causing confusion as to what's really been going on in all the different cities. There were reports ranging from peaceful protests and minor incidents to violent protests, rioting, looting and serious injuries taking place all over Morocco.
After all that's said and done, one thing clearly stood out for me after yesterday's events: Yes, there is one Morocco that's clearly unified under the king's rule, but there are two kinds of Moroccans that stand out as two separate entities with contrasting problems, but both ultimately want the same thing: change for a better Morocco, with more freedoms and job opportunities for the people and out with corruption and the parliament that doesn't work.
The first half of the day was highlighted by a segment of the population, which appeared to be educated, civilized, well informed and highly outspoken, and as the day progressed, I heard nothing but sighs of relief, expressions of pride, and kudos for the Moroccan authorities, thankful that the event was allowed to be peaceful, organized and dignified. When the demonstrations ended, many concluded that it was indeed a "Day of Dignity" - as it was dubbed prior to the event.
The second half of the day was marked by what appeared to be an ignorant, uncivilized angry mob resorting to violence, rioting and looting, determined to turn the day into a "Day of Rage" to get their point across.
Looking at a the images and videos depicting their violent outbursts, it appears to me that they were mainly targeting the authorities and anything symbolizing wealth, the establishment or even remotely catering to the elite, which to me says it all: ignorance beyond belief!
Violence doesn't solve anything.
Image source: Los Angeles Times
The King gave a speech today, surprisingly without any specific mention of yesterday's events, but he did present a new Social and Economic Council designed to address the nation's socioeconomic needs.
It sounds very promising, so we shall see.
Proud of you Morocco!
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As we set up the Economic and Social Council, we are not only injecting fresh momentum into the reform process I launched shortly after I assumed the leadership my loyal people, but we are also underlining the close link between genuine democracy and the achievement of human advancement and sustainable development.
The establishment of the Council today attests to an abiding desire to steer clear of demagogy and improvisation as we strive to build our democratic development model on a solid foundation. The Council’s creation process has taken time to come to fruition, reflecting a determination to make it an efficient governance tool in the area of development. Things materialize in their own good time.
The Council is not in any way meant to serve as a third House. In fact, I want it to be a new, broad-based forum that strengthens the bodies which have been set up by the institution-based State to promote constructive dialogue, responsible freedom of expression and an effective response to the aspirations of the people, from all generations and segments of the population. It should reflect and consolidate the long-established tradition of effectively involving the nation’s resources in the search for collective, innovative answers to the major development issues in which I take a keen interest.
I applaud the Council’s broad-based membership, which includes representatives of economic and social stakeholders, social groups as well as scientists and intellectuals. As far as I am concerned, all Council members are on an equal footing.
I have decided to appoint Mr. Chakib Benmoussa as Chairman of the Council, and Mr. Driss Guerraoui as its Secretary-General, in view of their competence, integrity and experience. I expect all Council members to work closely together and to put the nation’s best interests above any other consideration.
The Council will act in an advisory capacity and will submit studies to the Government and Parliament. In this respect, I shall be encouraging both the Government and Parliament to seek the Council’s views on the economic and social issues about which I care deeply. Not only are these issues directly related to human rights and social justice, but they also impact people’s ability to lead a dignified life.
This means you will be expected to give top priority to developing a new social charter based on major contractual agreements that create the right environment to meet the challenge of revamping the economy, boosting competitiveness, promoting productive investment and encouraging public involvement to achieve development at a faster pace. The aim is to ensure an equitable distribution of the fruits of development, in keeping with principles of social justice and national solidarity.
Since training is a key element of the Council’s terms of reference, I expect you to propose efficient solutions to the main problems relating to vocational and technical training, the skills needed on the job market and the requirements of sector-specific strategies and major projects. Our ultimate goal is to ensure a dignified life for all Moroccans - particularly the underprivileged - and to foster the kind of comprehensive development that creates jobs, especially for our young people, who are the main focus of our development policies.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am determined to forge ahead with the Moroccan model which, I must stress, is irreversible. We will be doing more than just safeguarding accomplishments. Indeed, new reforms will shore up the current process, thus reflecting the deep, mutual understanding and cohesion between the Throne and the loyal Moroccan people.
I am just as keen to pursue structural reforms in accordance with a clear roadmap based on specific objectives and the close bond between the Throne and the people. Our goal is to enable all Moroccans to lead a dignified life within a prosperous, united, fully sovereign and solidarity-based nation.
As we set up the Economic and Social Council, we are not only injecting fresh momentum into the reform process I launched shortly after I assumed the leadership my loyal people, but we are also underlining the close link between genuine democracy and the achievement of human advancement and sustainable development.
The establishment of the Council today attests to an abiding desire to steer clear of demagogy and improvisation as we strive to build our democratic development model on a solid foundation. The Council’s creation process has taken time to come to fruition, reflecting a determination to make it an efficient governance tool in the area of development. Things materialize in their own good time.
The Council is not in any way meant to serve as a third House. In fact, I want it to be a new, broad-based forum that strengthens the bodies which have been set up by the institution-based State to promote constructive dialogue, responsible freedom of expression and an effective response to the aspirations of the people, from all generations and segments of the population. It should reflect and consolidate the long-established tradition of effectively involving the nation’s resources in the search for collective, innovative answers to the major development issues in which I take a keen interest.
I applaud the Council’s broad-based membership, which includes representatives of economic and social stakeholders, social groups as well as scientists and intellectuals. As far as I am concerned, all Council members are on an equal footing.
I have decided to appoint Mr. Chakib Benmoussa as Chairman of the Council, and Mr. Driss Guerraoui as its Secretary-General, in view of their competence, integrity and experience. I expect all Council members to work closely together and to put the nation’s best interests above any other consideration.
The Council will act in an advisory capacity and will submit studies to the Government and Parliament. In this respect, I shall be encouraging both the Government and Parliament to seek the Council’s views on the economic and social issues about which I care deeply. Not only are these issues directly related to human rights and social justice, but they also impact people’s ability to lead a dignified life.
This means you will be expected to give top priority to developing a new social charter based on major contractual agreements that create the right environment to meet the challenge of revamping the economy, boosting competitiveness, promoting productive investment and encouraging public involvement to achieve development at a faster pace. The aim is to ensure an equitable distribution of the fruits of development, in keeping with principles of social justice and national solidarity.
Since training is a key element of the Council’s terms of reference, I expect you to propose efficient solutions to the main problems relating to vocational and technical training, the skills needed on the job market and the requirements of sector-specific strategies and major projects. Our ultimate goal is to ensure a dignified life for all Moroccans - particularly the underprivileged - and to foster the kind of comprehensive development that creates jobs, especially for our young people, who are the main focus of our development policies.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am determined to forge ahead with the Moroccan model which, I must stress, is irreversible. We will be doing more than just safeguarding accomplishments. Indeed, new reforms will shore up the current process, thus reflecting the deep, mutual understanding and cohesion between the Throne and the loyal Moroccan people.
I am just as keen to pursue structural reforms in accordance with a clear roadmap based on specific objectives and the close bond between the Throne and the people. Our goal is to enable all Moroccans to lead a dignified life within a prosperous, united, fully sovereign and solidarity-based nation.
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