King Mohammed VI of Morocco addressed the nation Wednesday, promising constitutional changes that would transfer real executive authority to an elected prime minister, replacing the current system of royal appointment. The announcement came as popular uprisings were reshaping governments across the Arab world.
Public reaction was largely positive but cautious, with residents expressing hope that the pledges would produce concrete results. A student who gave his name as Rachid said the speech fell short on specifics, citing corruption in government circles and unequal access to public-sector jobs.
France and Spain both praised the address. France's foreign ministry called it "responsible and brave" and highlighted commitments on justice, women's rights, and regional governance. Spain's foreign affairs secretary described it as historic in scope.
Under the king's outline, a constitutional commission would draft revisions by June, to be put to a public referendum. The proposed reforms also covered judicial independence and expanded individual and collective liberties.
The February 20 youth movement, which organized demonstrations in multiple cities the previous month and saw six people killed in subsequent unrest, had scheduled further protests for 20 March.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in March 2011, in its own words.