Moroccan opposition
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Transnational repressionWhy a friendlier Middle East is more dangerous for activists
Authoritarian governments often harass and hinder their critics, even if those people are outside the country. As former enemies become friends in the Middle East, will they cooperate to shut down opposition voices? By Cathrin Schaer
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Morocco’s Akhannouch governmentBusiness logic and politics don’t mix
Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch’s first anniversary in office in early October was remarkable for its unparalleled calm and serenity. The press dropped no comments, either on the administration’s performance or on what the year had brought in the way of challenges. By Mohamed Taifouri
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Standard Arabic, Darija, French or English?Morocco – a linguistic cold war
A conflict rooted in identity is currently gaining traction in Morocco. It began with demands to relieve the "burden" of Fusha (classical Arabic) by implementing a linguistic 'shift', thus allowing the use of Darija (Moroccan dialect) in education and teaching. But this approach has backfired massively on its proponents. Commentary by Mohamed Taifouri
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Morocco's billionaire PMBusiness elite stifles politics
Led by billionaire Aziz Akhannouch, Morocco's new government – elected in September 2021 – has adopted a business mindset. Faced with little parliamentary opposition, the administration also has little to fear from critical media, the last independent journalists having been consigned to jail. Commentary by Mohamed Taifouri
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Mohammed VI's coefficient swindleMoroccan elections will be about maths, not change
The country's national election on 8 September will likely bring new government. But neither experts nor locals expect it to bring long-promised change, writes Cathrin Schaer
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Mohammed VI and the Arab SpringWhat happened to Morocco's 2011 constitution?
Morocco's 2011 Arab Spring constitution has been hijacked by the deep state, which is asserting its own authoritarian interpretation and turning the clock back decades. Analysis by Mohamed Taifouri
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Arab Spring 2.0The Middle East's fearless protesters
The upheavals of the past year in the MENA region are arguably as momentous as those of the Arab Spring in 2011. Yet perhaps the biggest difference is that our interest seems to have evaporated. Why? Essay by Jannis Hagmann
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Moroccoʹs sentencing of Nasser ZefzafiWhen civil liberties contract
The sentencing of a prominent opposition activist to jail long-term has shaken critics of Moroccoʹs government. Activists and analysts alike warn of ill omens for the countryʹs political trajectory. By Tom Stevenson
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Morocco's power struggleLoyalty over competence
Well in advance of the next elections, the Moroccan authorities are attempting to ensure that parties loyal to the monarchy emerge victorious. Yet unforeseen developments, such as the successful boycott campaign by consumers, are playing into the oppositionʹs hands. By Ali Anouzla
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Moroccoʹs treatment of Hirak El-ShaabiFair trial? Fat chance
More than a year after protests emerged in the northern city of Hoceima, Moroccan authorities continue to crackdown on support for Hirak, the popular movement that began when fish vendor Mouhcine Fikri was crushed to death in a garbage truck trying to retrieve his confiscated merchandise. By Matthew Greene
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Morocco's blighted Rif regionSo little to do – so much time
That the younger generation in northern Morocco are still demonstrating is hardly surprising. Lacking in infrastructure, the Rif region has been economically disadvantaged for years. The area is simply beset with problems. An analysis by Susanne Kaiser
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The "Hirak El-Shaabi" protest movement in MoroccoThe uprising of the marginalised
For several weeks now, clashes have been raging in Morocco between the nation's security forces and members of a new protest movement, "Hirak El-Shaabi", which is calling for autonomy, social justice and the release of political prisoners in the north African country. By Mohamed Lamrabet