Thousands march for change in Morocco

Several thousand people rallied in fourteen Moroccan cities on Sunday, demanding political reform and limits on the powers of King Mohammed VI. Thousands of young Moroccans marched in Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, and other cities, calling for a new constitution and more social justice in what were reportedly peaceful demonstrations.

AFP/Abdelhak Senna

The "20 February Movement" began on Facebook, following the example of similar movements in Tunisia and Egypt.

It is the kingdom's first protest movement since the start of the wave of protests across Northern Africa and the Middle East.

In Rabat, protesters carried banners reading "The king must reign not govern" and "The people want a new constitution."

"I want a Morocco that's more fair and with less corruption," said a student demonstrator in Casablanca who asked not to be named.

"We've got nothing against the king, but we want more justice and work," said another, who gave his name as Brahim.

But despite the protesters' demands, many observers say the existence of some political pluralism and a relatively free press mean the country is unlikely to face Tunisia or Egypt-style unrest.

Ahead of the protest, Morocco promised to inject 1.4 billion euros in subsidies to soften price hikes for staples, and the king has promoted ongoing reforms.

Authorities say the demonstrations show the country's political openness.

Finance Minister Salahedine Mezouar said on Saturday it was "positive" that Moroccans could express themselves via Facebook, while warning that "any mistakes could wipe out in a few weeks what we've built over the last 10 years."