King Mohammed VI
“To ensure the efficiency of the regionalization process, I have decided that it should be part of a comprehensive constitutional reform which is designed to upgrade and revamp state institutions” Speech by King Mohammed VI of Morocco in Rabat, 9 March 2011.
King Mohammed VI outlined his pledge to ongoing democratic development through constitutional, judicial and political reforms. This is a moment of profound change in the region and under the leadership of King Mohamed VI Morocco has made significant achievements in the economic, social and political realms.
King Hassan II, the previous king, had the throne for almost 40 years. He died at the age of 78 due to natural causes. His leadership style of ruling was his position as an absolute king to unique degree in today’s history Similar to European history, many wanted to throw out King Hassan II because of his absolutism. King Hassan II leadership style has been compared to the atrocious king Louis XIV of France. King Hassan II built the biggest mosque in Africa and lived an indulgent lifestyle. He also, genuinely felt that he knew what was best for the country. Unlike his father, King Mohammed VI is a transformational leader using openness to evolve with democratic ideas.
Early Life:
Mohammed VI, son of Hassan II, was born in Rabat, Morocco in 1963. King Hassan II enrolled his son in Koranic school of the Royal Palace. At the Royal College, Mohammed VI earned his baccalaureate in 1981. Mohammed VI received a Law degree at the University Mohammed V of Judicial, economic and social sciences in Rabat. In 2000, he received his doctorate from the University of George Washington. When King Mohammed VI took the throne in 1999, he had a new set of challenges in Morocco including human rights, democratic views, Western Sahara, and Moroccan Women’s rights. King Mohammed VI has proved to be different from his father. He must demonstrate his leadership skills at balancing the increasing demands for democratization and human rights protection with the established old guard’s desire to maintain the status quo.
Accomplishments:
· In 2004, King Mohammed VI has enacted a new family code after protests in Rabat and Casablanca asking for more justice, equality and opportunities for all Moroccan Citizens. The new Mudawana law is allowing Moroccan women to transmit citizenship to their kids which is a big step to recognize a woman has a citizen for the country.
· The right to petition for divorce belongs to both men and women, though procedures for reconciliation and mediation are encouraged. Morocco is giving women the ability to file for divorce in the same way a man would.
· Another major accomplishment is Berber becoming an official language in Morocco. Berbers were the first inhabitants of Morocco, but when the Arab dynasty took control, they faced discrimination and inequality. This is a huge step in recognizing an ethnic group in a national scale.
Leadership style:
Unlike his father leadership style of absolutism, King Mohammed VI is willing to transform, create and adjust laws to protect the citizens. He is a transformational leader willing to use experience, openness and democratic views to shape the future of Morocco.
Criticism:
Under King Mohammed VI reign, all citizens have the freedom of: thought, ideas, artistic expression and creation. Previously only free-speech and the freedom of circulation and association were guaranteed. However, criticizing or directly opposing the king is still punishable with prison. There’s a lack of speech in Morocco regarding many domains such cohabitation, alcohol, or prostitution and religions. Moroccans are free, but not in free in a sense to say what they want. The government wants Moroccans to be free to talk about anything as long as it is useful for the welfare of the country and harmless to the nation.
One lesson that I take from learning about both kings, is that it takes a while to put laws in effect in developing countries. Although there is lack of freedom of speech in Morocco, King Mohammed VI is going to be remembered for his new social reforms and liberalization. King Mohammed VI is a transformational leader who wants to meet some of standards for Moroccan citizens through openness.
Bibliography:
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