English Story

摩洛哥即将举行全国性示威活动

Demonstrations are expected later in Moroccan cities after reformists said constitutional changes proposed by King Mohammed VI do not go far enough.

摩洛哥改革者称,国王穆罕默德六世提出的宪法改革力度不大,各大城市将会举行示威活动。

King Mohammed VI will retain a number of key posts under the proposed reforms
King Mohammed VI will retain a number of key posts under the proposed reforms
Many critics want constitutional changes drawn up by a democratically elected committee instead.

They also say the proposed referendum on the constitution comes too soon and leaves little time for a real debate.

The king said on Friday the reforms would limit his power and usher(引导,招待) Morocco towards a constitutional monarchy(君主立宪制) .

The proposed measures include giving the prime minister and parliament more executive authority and recognising the minority Berber language.

But King Mohammed would keep key powers and remain head of the army.

The king's proposals will be put to a referendum on 1 July, but many activists said Morocco's 400-year-old monarchy has a long history of enacting superficial(表面的,肤浅的) reforms.

Members of the February 20 reformist movement plan protests on Sunday calling for greater changes to the country's political system.

Like many countries across the Middle East and North Africa, Morocco has seen a growing call for major reforms to its political system in the past year.

The country has also been facing severe economic challenges with high unemployment and rising levels of poverty.

King Mohammed, 47, acceded to(加入,就任) the throne in 1999 following the death of his father, Hassan II, and now heads the Arab world's longest-serving dynasty.