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| Monarchy of Morocco | |
|---|---|
| Native name | Kingdom of Morocco |
| Conventional long name | Kingdom of Morocco |
| Symbol type | Coat of arms |
| Capital | Rabat |
| Official languages | Arabic, Tamazight |
| Government | Monarchy |
| Monarch | Mohammed VI |
| Area km2 | 446550 |
| Population estimate | 37 million |
Monarchy of Morocco
The Monarchy of Morocco is a hereditary sovereign institution centered on the Alaouite dynasty, based in Rabat and historically tied to dynastic roots in Tafilalt and ties with Fez and Marrakesh. It has shaped relations with foreign powers such as France, Spain, and Ottoman Empire and engaged with international organizations like the United Nations and the Arab League. The Crown's role intersects with Moroccan institutions including the Parliament, the Constitution, and the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces.
The Alaouite family's rise in the 17th century linked figures like Ismail Ibn Sharif and events such as the consolidation after the decline of the Saadi dynasty, interactions with the Regency of Algiers, and episodes including the Battle of Wadi al-Laban. Colonial encounters involved treaties like the Treaty of Fez (1912) and institutions such as the French Protectorate in Morocco and the Spanish Protectorate in Morocco, with key actors including Lyautey and Moulay Youssef. Post-World War II nationalist movements such as the Istiqlal Party and leaders like Allal al-Fassi and Mohammed V of Morocco precipitated independence, negotiating with entities including the League of Nations successor, the United Nations General Assembly. The mid-20th century saw crises including the Tangier International Zone reintegration and territorial disputes culminating in the Green March and the Western Sahara conflict with Polisario Front. Later decades involved rulers like Hassan II engaging in events such as the 1971 Moroccan coup attempt and the Skhirat Palace coup, while reforms produced constitutions in 1962, 1970, 1996, and the 2011 constitutional revision influenced by the Arab Spring and petitions from groups like February 20 movement.
Under the 2011 Constitution of Morocco, the monarch retains prerogatives such as appointing the head of state figure who typically is the Head of Government from the largest parliamentary party, designating members of the Judicial Council, and presiding over the religious councils. The monarch is commander-in-chief of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces and holds authority over foreign affairs involving treaties ratified by the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors. Constitutional instruments reference institutions like the National Council of Human Rights and the Court of Cassation, while the monarch's discretionary powers intersect with political parties such as the Authenticity and Modernity Party and the Justice and Development Party in coalition formation.
Succession follows agnatic primogeniture within the Alaouite line, situating figures like Crown Prince Moulay Hassan in the line of succession alongside members of the royal household including Prince Moulay Rachid and royal spouses such as Princess Lalla Salma. The royal family maintains ties with dynastic branches tracing to ancestors like Sharifian families and historical personages such as Ali ibn Rashid al-Alami. Protocol involves offices like the Royal Cabinet and roles occupied by officials from institutions such as the Ministry of Interior during state ceremonies in cities like Casablanca and Tangier.
National symbols associated with the Crown include the Flag of Morocco bearing the green pentagram, the Coat of arms of Morocco, and the royal standard used at palaces like the Dar al-Makhzen in Rabat and the Royal Palace of Fez. Regalia and ceremonies reference orders such as the Order of Muhammad and decorations like the Order of Ouissam Alaouite, conferred in state visits involving foreign dignitaries from nations including United Kingdom, United States, and France. Iconography draws on historic motifs from sites like the Koutoubia Mosque and cultural heritage such as collections housed in the Museum of Moroccan Judaism and the Dar Batha Museum.
The royal household comprises the Royal Cabinet, the Court of the Crown Prince, and administrative bodies coordinating with ministries including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of the Interior. Palaces across Rabat, Marrakesh, and Fes host bureaucracies interacting with agencies like the DRS (historically) and successor services, and offices overseeing cultural endowments such as the Fondation Mohammed V pour la Solidarité. The Crown's patronage extends to institutions like the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam and initiatives tied to universities such as Mohammed V University and Cadi Ayyad University.
The monarch holds the title Amir al-Mu'minin and presides over religious institutions including the Ministry of Habous and Islamic Affairs and the Supreme Council of Ulema, influencing appointments of grand imams at sites like Hassan II Mosque and scholarly bodies linked to the Al-Qarawiyyin University. Religious legitimacy involves interactions with scholars such as members of Maliki school and Sufi orders like the Tariqa Tijaniyya and Aissaoua. The Crown's religious role affects legislation touching on family law administered by Moudawana courts and commissions including the Higher Council of Ulema.
Contemporary debates involve the Crown's interventions in partisan politics during periods marked by incidents like the 1971 and 1972 coup attempts, controversies over human rights as documented by organizations such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, and disputes over territorial sovereignty involving the Polisario Front and the African Union membership debates. Economic initiatives overseen by royal foundations intersect with business groups like the OCP Group and firms linked to the royal holding Siger, prompting scrutiny from media outlets including Le Monde, Al Jazeera, and The New York Times. High-profile controversies have concerned transparency, royal immunity debates in the Constitutional Court context, and protests during movements related to Hirak Rif and the 2011 Moroccan protests seeking reforms. International diplomacy has engaged actors like King Felipe VI of Spain, Emmanuel Macron, and Joe Biden in state visits addressing bilateral issues such as migration, trade, and Western Sahara negotiations mediated by entities including the United Nations Security Council.