Moroccans march for and against new constitution

Tens of thousands of people marched in Morocco on Sunday both for and against a proposed new constitution.

Pro-reform activists want greater freedoms, a crackdown on state corruption, and a more independent judiciary. It was a concession King Mohammed VI made to the protest movement which took to the streets on February 20.

The new constitution, which goes to a popular vote on July the 1st, will give the prime minister and parliament more powers.

But reformists are unhappy that the monarch wants to retain his absolute powers. King Mohammed claims the title ‘Commander of the Faithful’ and will remain the country’s spiritual authority.

He will also keep his role as the head of the army and the Moroccan security services. Nevertheless, the king said the changes will turn Morocco’s 400-year-old monarchy into a constitutional one.

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