38,762,400 people
Source: Tyranny Tracker
HRF classifies Morocco as ruled by a fully authoritarian regime.
King Mohammed VI has ruled Morocco since July 1999. He ascended the throne following the death of his father, King Hassan II. The Moroccan monarchy, specifically the Alaouite dynasty, has been in power since the early 17th century. Despite promising to implement reforms, King Mohammed VI’s reign has been marked by authoritarianism. The monarchy maintains significant power, limits political pluralism, suppresses dissent, and violates human rights, including restricting freedom of expression and assembly. In 2011, widespread protests in Morocco, prompted in part by the February 20 Movement and what is commonly referred to as the Arab Spring, demanded an end to corruption, separation of powers, and the establishment of democracy. In response to public pressure, King Mohammed VI announced limited reforms, including constitutional changes. However, the protest movement rejected these reforms and the approval process, as the new constitution allowed the king to maintain significant power over the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Elections are a sham, to the point where the real, mainstream political opposition does not have a realistic chance to meaningfully compete and possibly win. Political parties exist, but many are seen as co-opted or controlled by the regime, or the Makhzen, a network of elites with direct ties to the regime who control state institutions. The regime insulates itself from public anger by regularly causing political fragmentation among the opposition, and thus diminishes the potential for a unified front against the ruling establishment, as co-opted figures adopt a more conciliatory stance toward the regime’s policies.
Independent media, political leaders, civil society leaders, organizations, and regular people face overt and systematic retaliation if they openly criticize or challenge the regime. Activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens who criticize the regime often face harassment, intimidation, and legal repercussions. The authorities closely monitor public discourse and falsely charge anyone perceived as a threat to the regime with offenses such as “undermining state security,” “insulting the monarchy,” or “spreading false information.” The pervasive risk of arrest and prosecution instills a climate of fear among the public, discouraging public protests and open criticism of the regime.
Institutions largely fail to serve as independent checks on the regime. The king heads the judicial system, exerts significant influence over judicial proceedings, which have been systematically utilized as legal mechanisms to manipulate the judicial process against dissenters. The king, also retains significant control over key areas, including the appointment of the prime minister and his cabinet, with some key ministries, like the Ministry of Interior, being headed by officials aligned with the palace, which diminishes the parliament’s ability to hold such officials accountable, since political parties and legislators are expected to operate within a framework that favors regime interests.
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