Africa Monitoring Desk Islamabad
In 2026, the question of who truly rules Morocco remains a subject of intense scrutiny following international investigations that challenge the official narrative of a constitutional monarchy. While the Moroccan Constitution defines the system as a “constitutional, democratic, parliamentary and social monarchy”, investigations and reports suggest a different reality of power.
An international investigation and analysis of Morocco’s political structure reveal that while the country operates within a framework of a parliamentary semi-constitutional monarchy, true power is highly centralized within the Makhzen (the royal establishment), surrounding King Mohammed VI.
Recent investigations, most notably the Pegasus Project (coordinated by Forbidden Stories and Amnesty International), have significantly shifted the narrative:
- Surveillance of Dissent: The investigation revealed the widespread use of Israeli-made Pegasus spyware to target at least 35 journalists, human rights activists, and even international figures.
- Stifling of Press and Opposition: This surveillance is part of a broader “steady crackdown” on anyone critical of the government, effectively silencing the press and narrowing the political landscape to “pro-palace” parties.
- Institutional Persistence: Reports indicate that even with regular elections, the palace continues to use its formal and informal lines of influence to marginalize elected officials and ensure top-down control.
While reforms have technically empowered the parliament, the monarch retains ultimate authority over the military, judiciary, and key strategic sectors of the economy, essentially functioning as an absolute ruler behind a parliamentary front.
Key Findings on the “Real” Rulers of Morocco
- The Makhzen (Royal Establishment): This is a network of advisors, security officials, and elite technocrats close to the King who influence or directly control major decisions, bypassing elected officials.
- Key Palace Advisors: The inner circle, holding significant power, often includes influential,unelected figures such as Fouad al-Himma, Yassine Mansouri, and André Azoulay.
- The Prime Minister’s Role: Although Aziz Akhannouch was appointed after the 2021 general election, he is widely viewed as aligned with the palace, and the government is largely responsible for implementing the King’s “new model of development”.
- The Economic Power Structure: The royal holding company, SIGER, which owns a majority stake in Al Mada (formerly SNI), has significant influence over banking, insurance, and mining sectors, ensuring the palace remains the dominant economic force.
Turning the Narrative of the “Royal Front”
The investigation suggests that the 2011 constitutional reforms created a “front” that allows the palace to act as a constitutional monarchy to the outside world while maintaining deep control.
- Weakening of Opposition: The palace has, at times, undermined political parties and trade unions to prevent any independent force from threatening its authority, even when these parties are technically aligned with the King.
- The “Deep State” Influence: The Ministry of the Interior, often led by figures appointed directly by the King, holds immense sway over local governance and political life, operating independently of the Prime Minister.
Key Areas of Royal Control
- Foreign Policy & Security: The King holds complete control over the military, security, and foreign affairs, particularly regarding the Western Sahara issue.
- Religion: As “Commander of the Faithful” (Amir al-Mu’minin), the King holds exclusive religious authority.
- Energy & Infrastructure: The 2026 finance bill continues to emphasize large-scale, state-driven infrastructure projects, including renewable energy (52% target by 2030) and natural gas pipelines, overseen by palace-affiliated institutions.
The Core Power Structure
- The Monarchy’s Dominance: Despite reforms in 2011 intended to shift power to parliament, King Mohammed VI maintains full dominance. The King is not merely a symbolic figure; he “reigns and governs,” setting the national roadmap for economic, social, and foreign policies.
- The “Makhzen” and Security Forces: International observers have characterized Morocco as a “carceral state” or “Kingdom of Police,” where security agencies exert a tight grip on power. Key figures in the gendarmerie and intelligence services (DST) have reportedly gained power, sometimes usurping day-to-day functions typically held by the government.
- The Business Oligarchy: The King is also a leading economic force. His personal holding company, Al Mada (formerly SNI), and his agricultural group, Les domaines agricoles, make him a dominant player in the national economy. Critics argue a “conquering business oligarchy” is increasingly influential in subverting state functions for private gain
In essence, the “royal front” in Morocco is a complex,, multi-layered system designed to maintain the monarch’s supreme,,, untouchable position while delegating the blame for economic or social failings to elected government officials.
