Moroccan opposition
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Morocco′s Amazigh
The long road to recognition
Morocco′s Amazigh captured a historic achievement in 2011 when constitutional measures following the country′s February 20th protests officially recognised the Amazigh culture and language. But six years on, many Amazigh are dissatisfied with the reform process and continue to complain of discrimination. By Matthew Greene
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Morocco's monarchy and the conflict with the PJD
All power to the palace
After a five-month deadlock during which Moroccan Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane was unable to form a coalition government, he has been ousted by King Mohammed VI, showing his increasing unwillingness to tolerate any ruler beside himself. An analysis by Moroccan dissident and journalist Ali Anouzla
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Morocco′s elections
Why the left flopped
The key reason for the failure of the Federation of the Democratic Left in Morocco′s elections in October was campaign mismanagement, writes Moroccan journalist Imad Stitou
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Unrest in Morocco
Condemned to eke out a living
Symptomatic of the widespread poverty and oppression within Moroccan society, the tragic death of the fishmonger Mouhcine Fikri has touched a raw nerve among the population. Attempts to defuse the situation are ongoing. Matthew Greene reports from Rabat
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Elections in Morocco
Enough austerity
Morocco′s Party for Justice and Development (PJD) faces a stiff confidence test on 7 October when parliamentary elections are held for the second time since constitutional reforms were adopted in 2011. Moreover, rumours that the Makhzen is finished with the PJD means that the main opposition – the Party for Authenticity and Modernity (PAM) – poses a serious challenge at the polls. Analysis by Matthew Greene
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Reform in Morocco
Plagued by inertia
The former Secretary-General of Transparency Maroc Azzedine Akesbi was in Germany in June for a research project he is conducting as a fellow at the German Development Institute (DIE). With a view to the upcoming parliamentary elections in Morocco on 7 October 2016, Martina Sabra spoke with the economist and education expert on political reforms and the fight against corruption in the country
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Religion and politics in Morocco
Blurred lines
In Tunisia, the Ennahda Party has announced it is decoupling its political work from ongoing efforts to establish an Islamic social model. In Morocco too, the Justice and Development Party is presenting itself as a primary advocate for the separation of both spheres. In this essay, Ali Anouzla examines what lies behind the rhetoric
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Human rights violations in Morocco
City of roses, city of torture
The case of the Belgian-Moroccan national Ali Aarrass shines a spotlight on persistent human rights violations and the existence of torture prisons in Morocco. While the monarchy remains silent, the public deliberately looks the other way. By Susanne Kaiser
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Democratic change in Morocco
Winners and losers in a new political climate
Much has changed in Morocco's political landscape since the uprising and new constitution of 2011. With the exception of the Islamists, however, Morocco's political parties have failed to take advantage of this new political order. By Maâti Monjib
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Prince Moulay Hicham el Alaoui of Morocco
The diary of the red prince
The Moroccan Prince Moulay Hicham el Alaoui has penned a diary about his life in the palace and his exile, thereby creating a scandal in the royal household. Astrid Kaminski read the book
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Democratic change in Morocco
The right king in the wrong monarchy?
The paradox of the political situation in Morocco is that King Mohammed VI seems to want to bring about domestic political change, whereas his entourage, which has grown rich and influential since the country gained independence, is resisting such efforts. By Mohammed Hashas
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Morocco's Islamist Justice and Development Party
A Delicate Balancing Act
Morocco's Islamist Party of Justice and Development shot to power for the first time after triumphing in parliamentary polls held in 2011. But despite rising popular support and stalled programs of reform, Morocco's Justice and Development Party still has to toe the palace line. By Mohammed Masbah