Myrtus

King Mohamed VI Speech March 9, 2011

I listened to the King's speech live on the radio yesterday and I must say that I was deeply moved after hearing the words "Constitutional Reform", simply because I did not expect the King to respond to this particular aspect of the people's list of demands. Yes, I'm a dreamer, but I can be a pessimist too sometimes.

But what struck me most is this part of the speech:

"Consistent with what I had announced in my address on 20 August 2010, commemorating the anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People, I call on everyone to continue contributing to this general plan to bring it to maturity, through a wide-ranging, constructive national debate.

The Committee proposed a gradual approach, namely to institute advanced regionalization through the enactment of a law, under the current institutional framework, until the right conditions are therefore the constitutionalization of regionalization.

However, considering our accomplishments in the area of promoting democracy, I personally consider that Morocco is in a position today to start enshrining advanced regionalization in the Constitution."

Basically what I think he's saying to the people is:

Yes my people, I hear you loud and clear and even though I'm way ahead of you on this, we're in it together: He said "Revolution of the King and the People"....imagine THAT!

What else did he say? 

Please don't stop: "continue contributing to.....constructive national debate"

But first things first, let's get our house in order and put key elements in place: "gradual approach"

And now that you have finally come forward and voiced your concerns collectively, we (King & Nation) are finally ready to launch: "democracy...today".....not tomorrow or next year, TODAY!

In other words: Morocco's rebirth started its INFANCY when King Mohamed VI assumed the throne - followed by a stormy period loaded with ups and downs in terms of freedom, where the people tried to assert themselves in a way that's typical to the natural process of PUBERTY....after which the inevitable is now happening: MATURITY.  Meaning the time has come for Moroccans to be taken seriously...Morocco has proved that it's now finally ready for true democracy, especially after it did not cave in to external regional pressures of popular uprisings, but instead, continues to pursue an evolutionary process rather than that revolutionary one that's rocking the region today.

But in order for true democracy to take shape and come full circle, the King says that following key elements need to take place first:

-    Give the region its rightful place in the Constitution as a territorial entity, within the framework of the unity of the State, the nation and the territory, keeping in mind the requirements of balance and national solidarity at inter- and intraregional levels;
-    Stipulate that regional councils shall be elected through direct universal suffrage, and that regional affairs shall be run in accordance with democratic principles;
-    Empower the presidents of regional councils – instead of governors and walis – to implement council decisions;
-    Promote the participation of women in the management of regional affairs in particular, and the exercise of political rights in general; in this respect, the law should favour equal access by women and men to elected office;
-    Review the composition and powers of the House of Councillors thoroughly and in such a way as to enhance the regions’ representation in the House. As regards the representation of trade unions and professional organizations, it remains guaranteed by several institutions, particularly the Economic and Social Council, the aim being to rationalize the performance of institutional bodies.

Meanwhile a new and improved pluralistic constitution is in the works as of yesterday, responding to the people's demands as follows:

1.    Enshrine in the Constitution the rich, variegated yet unified character of the Moroccan identity, including the Amazigh component as a core element and common asset belonging to all Moroccans;
2.    Consolidate the rule of law and the institution-based State; expand the scope of collective and individual freedoms and guarantee their practice; promote all types of human rights – political, economic, social and cultural rights as well as those relating to development and the environment – especially by inscribing, in the Constitution, the Justice and Reconciliation Commission’s well-founded recommendations as well as Morocco’s international commitments in this domain.
3.    Elevate the judiciary to the status of an independent power and reinforce the prerogatives of the Constitutional Council to enhance the primacy of the Constitution, of the rule of law and of equality before the law;
4.    Strengthen the principle of separation of powers, with the relating checks and balances, and promote the democratization, revamping and rationalization of institutions through the following:
*    A parliament emerging from free, fair elections, and in which the House of Representatives plays the prominent role; expand the scope of legislative action and provide parliament with new powers that enable it to discharge its representative, legislative and regulatory mission;
*    An elected government which reflects the will of the people, through the ballot box, and which enjoys the confidence of the majority of the House of Representatives;
*    Confirming the appointment of the Prime Minister from the political party which wins the most seats in parliamentary election, as attested by election results;
*    Consolidating the status of the Prime Minister as the head of an effective executive branch, who is fully responsible for government, civil service and the implementation of the government’s agenda;
*    Enshrining, in the Constitution, the Governing Council as an institution and specifying its prerogatives;
5.    Shore up constitutional mechanisms for providing guidance to citizens, by invigorating the role of political parties within the framework of an effective pluralistic system, and by bolstering the standing of parliamentary opposition as well as the role of civil society;
6.     Reinforce mechanisms for boosting moral integrity in public life, and establish a link between the exercise of power and the holding of public office with oversight and accountability;
7.    Enshrine in the Constitution the institutions concerned with good governance, human rights and protection of liberties.

Well done Your Majesty! 

All in all a very positive speech full of promises that inspire and restore hope, leaving me (and I'm sure many others) wondering what we can do to contribute as a citizens and help insure that the Moroccan dream does come true.   

Here's to freedom, the pursuit of development and the pursuit of happiness!

God bless Morocco!

 

If you're looking for a more in-depth round-up on the King's speech, especially when it comes to reflecting the internal battles going on within the Moroccan psyche in terms of trust and distrust towards the regime, please check out The Moorish Wanderer's insightful take. 

Morocco The Model & The #Feb20 Movement

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!

 

HM the King gives speech on occasion of Economic and Social Council

 

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.

Related Articles:

Five dead in Morocco unrest after protests - latimes.com

afrol News - New Morocco protests planned

Protests in Morocco: Just Don't Call It a Revolution - TIME

Morocco's Moderate Revolution - By Laila Lalami

MOROCCO: King says not giving in to 'demagoguery' | Los Angeles Times

In Morocco, Fears of Chaos Temper Calls for Change - NYTimes.com

Moroccans For Change ~ #Feb20

Moroccan voices calling for reform are multiplying by the minute, all over social media and in many different languages, as everyone gears up for the big day on February 20th.

"I am Moroccan and I will take part in the #Feb20 protest."

   

Moroccans For Change | Facebook

If you believe that Morocco needs change, join Moroccans for Change.

We aim to be a platform where all groups calling for a better Morocco can come together to support our demands for change on February 20th. We support a Morocco where justice, equality, freedoms and sharing into the country’s wealth is every Moroccan's right. We want dignity, education, health, and economic opportunities for everyone, and we will mobilize on February 20th to make our voices heard, in the most peacefully powerful way.

 
Over 40% of the Moroccan population is illiterate, about 60% of them are women. The state of public education is beyond deplorable. There are no social guarantees for the poor. According to Human Rights Watch, “Morocco has one of the highest child labor rates in the Middle East and North Africa. Although Moroccan law prohibits children under fifteen from working, government statistics suggest that at least six hundred thousand children age seven through fourteen— 11 percent of all children in that age group—are engaged in economic activity.” There are also between 10,000 and 14,000 street children in Morocco. According to Baiti association 98% of them are now addicted to sniffing glue.

 
King Mohammed VI has encouraged many changes and much of the legal framework is already at an advance stage of modernity; albeit many laws lack real translation into enforceable rules. Despite important advances in freedoms, and democracy, such as the creation of the Reconciliation and Truth Commission, the reform of the Moudawana, and various development projects, the country has experienced serious setbacks in the last few years. The authorities doubled in acts of injustice and violence against citizens, harassing journalists through illegitimate fines and trials, and imprisoning political activists.

The king has succeeded in symbolism and signs of humility, but he has yet to help create a country where social justice and sharing into the country’s wealth is everyone’s right and not a privilege of the few. The Makhzenian governing style inherited from the Hassan II era remains a serious problem. The Royal family owns the only real holding in Morocco, ONA, (Omnium North African) which enjoys a literal monopoly over most vital businesses and commodities. The system of exclusive licensing issued by the palace commonly called “Grimat,” (which stands for agreement) is still in place. This system allows the king to indiscriminately bestow authorizations to some of his subjects and most faithful servants, specifically the military, to operate taxis, buses and enjoy fishing permits. The king grants French journalists interviews, but we have yet to see a Moroccan paper given the same privilege. Moroccans are subjects of the king, rather than citizens, thus they do not enjoy the right to question the “constitutionally sacral authority” of the king. Currently, most of the key government positions are assigned to members of one Moroccan family. Corruption is a way of life, sustained by poverty at the bottom and much greed at the top.

 
In this climate of favoritism rather than healthy competition, Moroccans learn to despise each other, and social confidence is at the lowest. We all want to put an end to this.  Clearly, many of those elected in the government and parliament share into the status quo, and much can be said about their own failure to bring about tangible changes.  It is time for things to change. Our call for change in Morocco targets immediate reforms, and long term reforms that would take place soon after the constitution is reformed, and a new government is elected.

Immediate changes:

Constitutional reform: A new constitution with as a preamble the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The New constitution will outline guarantees for universal freedoms the following freedoms and rights, including specifically, Freedom of Speech, Freedom of the Press, Human Rights, more specifically Women's Rights, Equality. Constitutional amendments will include article 19. Morocco shall become a parliamentary monarchy, where the King rules but does not govern.
Free and democratic elections: New elections must be organized in a timely manner with the presence of international observers to ensure transparency, fairness and accountability.
New Government Program: The new Government will focus on these priority issues:
Socioeconomic reform: Address the issue of poverty: Priority should be given to education and training opportunities to give Moroccans the chance for a better future, and create the conditions for social justice.
Education Reform: Education is a priority sector. We want education for all, and a reform of the curriculum to adapt it to the requirements of the global economy and the 21st century.
End corruption and harassment: Human rights mechanisms must be put in place to ensure that all Moroccans are equal before the law. The right to diversity and pluralism must be acknowledged and guaranteed. Freedom of all Moroccans, men, women, children, Arabs and Berbers, must be explicitly included in the constitution’s preamble
All provisions in Penal Code, Personal Status and other legal codes must reflect and guarantee the changes in the Constitution. In case of conflict, the new Constitution prevails.

Retired Dutch politician tells Jews in the Netherlands to migrate to Israel and USA to avoid Moroccans

Former European Commissioner Frits Bolkestein, who is often cited by Geert Wilders as his biggest hero and mentor, has suddenly reappeared out of obscurity, only to feed the growing hatred towards Moroccans in The Netherlands and crank up the already heightened level of fear among Jews a few notches higher. 

His outrageous statement calling on practicing Jews to migrate to Israel and the USA - citing the growing antisemitism among Dutch-Moroccans as the reason - has caused an uproar among his former colleagues in parliament and ticked off some prominent members of the Jewish community as well.  Oddly enough even Geert Wilders disagreed with Bolkestein on this one, saying that it's Mococcans who are guilty of antisemitism who should migrate and not the Jews.

 

Meanwhile, Geert Wilders himself was busy making his own outrageous statements while on an official visit in Israel recently, saying that Jordan should absorb Palestinian refugees and rename itself Palestine.  In addition to that, he urged Israel to build more settlements in "Judea and Samaria", aka the West Bank, as a strategic move towards self-defense, and it's not the first time he's said such either.

 

All I can say about this insanely fascist conduct by Dutch politicians, who seem to be going out of their way to cause strife...that it ultimately boils down to the Dutch government's need to grow a spine, enforce its existing laws against hate speech and discrimination and start putting national interest and domestic stability first and foremost.  Enough already!

"Reason of Being" by Moroccan Author Abel Azrali

Those of you who already have a copy of Abel Azrali's fictional novel  "Grilled Fish", this is the second edition of the same novel, which is now available at Publish America.

"Humphrey Bogart knew first hand that leaving Casablanca was not all that easy.
When you are young, inexperienced, and less fortunate, living in a shaky society, the odds of leaving are even greater.
The tale portrayed in this book tells the story of a young man born and raised in the slums of Casablanca. Through out the story, he interacts with other characters whose presence is a testimony, a reflective mirror, a living reminder to what scores of young men and women go through on a daily basis in a man-made jungle.
Like his peers, Saed had to deal with the reality of the Moroccan society imposed by a broken, corrupt system. He had to join the masses in their daily struggle. But he refused to meet a similar fate and decided to find a way out."

Makes me wanna cry...

At least one Moroccan in Holland volunteers to leave the country, which he says he loves so much that he's willing to disappear for at least a year to help contribute to solving the Moroccan problem in Holland.

He's inviting people to vote him out of the country here

I'm not sure what to think of it.  Is this really a good way to solve problems?  Isn't this an easy cop out, which in the end makes everyone look bad?  What if this is just a promotional stunt to get him a free trip to a dream resort?  I have mixed emotions over this.....

Holland's Undesirable Immigrants Get Paid To Leave

I know it sounds awful (I love people all the same), but please hear me out for a minute...

When I say "undesirable immigrants" what's the first thing that comes to mind?

If you think about it on a global scale there are quite a few minority groups around the world that are treated as "undesirable" or "unwanted" for whatever reason.  In some countries it might be "Muslims", to some it's "Mexicans", to others it it might be "Jews", to others it's "Blacks" or "infidels" or "Moroccans" or "Rohingyas" or "Roma gypsies" or "Palestinians" or "unskilled laborers" or...or...whatever garden variety human with an accent on "different" and "poor" that happens to annoy the heck out of nativist bigots.

To Geert Wilders, as everyone knows by now, it's "Muslims, Moroccans and (poor) immigrants".  You might have heard about his latest maneuver in his conquest against these undesirable immigrants.  You see, the man thinks big - I mean HUGE, now that he got a big chunk of the votes in the last national election.  So now he's working on expanding his territory and wants to rile up haters in other countries, where anger against Muslims and immigrants already festers and always ready to wreak havoc at the drop of a hat.

So why is this all happening you think?

Money?  Power?  Heroics?  The bad economy?  Politics?

Please don't me give that "freedom of speech" nonsense, because I'm not buying it.

So why really?  Why is such a terribly bigoted politician, who says some of the craziest things and makes a fool out of Dutch parliament daily, actually allowed to have free reign to incite hatred against people in a democracy that's supposedly world famous for its tolerance?

Is it maybe because he's carrying out the will of the people who feel threatened by these "undesirables" or is he simply trying to enforce the laws of the land by pursuing the Dutch government's very own agenda to get rid of unskilled laborers, while applying pressure with tremendous help from the Dutch press and leveraging hate groups in the US and Europe?

Well, in case you didn't know, Holland actually pays certain immigrants to leave the country as long as they agree to be stripped of their rights to return, as set forth in the Dutch Remigration Act.  

I remember vaguely hearing about this a while back, but I didn't know the exact details till I started looking into it after my friend Xoussef asked me if it's true that Holland pays immigrants a monthly salary if they agree to leave the country - he told me he had read about this in a Moroccan newspaper and questioned the veracity of the article because it just sounded too weird.

Here it is spelled out in plain English (and several other languages) by the Dutch authorities:

What is the Remigration Act?

If you are going to leave the Netherlands to move to another country, you may be able to get a one-off relocation grant and a monthly benefit to help cover your living expenses in your new country of residence. This is provided for under the Remigration Act.

Two types of benefits are paid under the Remigration Act:

• a remigration grant
• a remigration benefit

Remigration grant

The remigration grant is a one-off payment towards moving expenses. It is made up of various components. Which components you are entitled to depends on your personal situation.

You can get a contribution towards the cost of:

• the journey to the country where you are going to live;
• the transportation of your luggage;
• settling in your new country of residence;
• storage of your property in your new country;
• the transportation of aids for a disabled person;
• the transportation of business inventory and equipment.

These contributions are fixed amounts.

remigration benefit

The remigration benefit is a monthly payment to help cover your living expenses. It is only payable if you are 45 or over. If you are no longer covered under the Dutch health insurance system after you have moved abroad, you will also get a contribution towards health insurance.

If you are awarded a remigration benefit, you will also get a remigration grant. The grant will not include a contribution towards resettlement expenses because this will already be included in the remigration benefit. 

When are you eligible for these payments?

You can get these payments if you leave the Netherlands to return to:

• the country where you were born, or
• the country of which you are, or were, a national, or
• the country where one of your parents was born or of which he or she is, or was, a national.

You can also get financial help if you are a refugee or if you have been granted asylum in the Netherlands, and you are moving to another country.

The fact that the Dutch Remigration Act singles out only immigrants from specific countries who can apply for this deal has "discrimination" written all over it if you ask me.  Smart move by the Dutch government though in terms of saving money in the long run.  They encourage these immigrants to leave the country, sending them off into early retirement at age 45 along with the rest of their families, with a minimum wage that's tailored to the cost of living in their country of origin, instead of having to pay them significantly higher pension benefits when they're actually due for retirement in Holland.  And as we all know, governments tend to change rules and laws whenever they see fit. 

Are these wages guaranteed for life?:

The amount of your remigration grant or remigration benefit

The amount of your remigration grant or remigration benefit depends on:

• the country where you are going to live;
• the number of people moving with you;
• whether you live on your own or with family members;
• the ages of the people who live with you.

For more information about the amount you will receive, you can contact us.

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Greece
• Italy
• Cape Verde
• Croatia
• Macedonia
• Morocco
• Montenegro
• Portugal
• Serbia
• Spain
• Surinam
• Tunisia
• Turkey

 

Dutch Soccer Team Succeeds Where Dutch Politics Fails

Together as ONE! Go Oranje go!!!!

Moroccan-Dutch integration at its best! :)

Chavez pulls oldest Arab trick on Morocco regarding the Sahara

First off, the Sahara is Moroccan!  So let's get that straight.

Chavez is part of the band of rogue brothers who consider the US as enemy numero uno and Morocco being a traditional ally of the US is therefore their enemy too, so what do they do to punish Morocco for that?  They go ahead and recognize the Sahara as an independent state belonging to a bunch of thugs known as the Polisario, just to stab Morocco in the back.

Morocco says OK that's it, you're out!  We've had enough of your nonsense!

Morocco closes Venezuela embassy over Polisario row | Top News | Reuters

RABAT (Reuters) - Morocco said on Thursday it had closed its embassy in Venezuela in protest over Caracas's support of the Polisario Front, which seeks an independent state in Western Sahara that Rabat claims as its territory.

The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the decision followed "increasing hostility by the Venezuelan authorities regarding the Kingdom of Morocco's territorial integrity and recent measures to support (Polisario)".

Are Moroccans to blame?

Some of you might remember the video that was launched a while ago by munt.nu - presenting the possibility of what could happen if everyone of Moroccan descent were to leave the Netherlands.