19 Jun 2011

Moroccan activists sceptical of proposed reform

2:05 pm on 19 June 2011

Pro-democracy activists in Morocco say constitutional reforms proposed by King Mohammed VI do not go far enough.

Members of the February 20 movement say they will still hold a protest on Sunday calling for greater changes to the country's political system.

The BBC reports the reforms include giving the prime minister and parliament more executive authority and recognising the minority Berber language.

But the king will retain key powers and remain head of the army. A new article in the constitution also formalises his role as the highest religious authority in the country.

In a television address on Friday, the king said the measures would entrench democratic institutions and protect rights.

The proposals will be put to a referendum on 1 July, but many activists have reacted with scepticism, saying Morocco's 400-year-old monarchy has a long history of enacting superficial reforms.

The February 20 movement, which has carried out weekly pro-democracy marches around the country, says it will continue to call for "a truly democratic constitution and a parliamentary monarchy".