Mohammed VI (1963–)

Mohammed VI, born in Rabat, Morocco, on August 21, 1963, obtained a doctorate in law from a French [Page 468]university. King Mohammed VI ascended to the throne on July 23, 1999, following the death of his father, King Hassan II. As Amir Al-Mumineen (Commander of the Faithful) in Morocco, King Mohammed VI is both a political and spiritual leader.

With the motto “It is now time for authority to serve the people, and not for the people to serve authority,” King Mohammed VI started what he called the “New Era” of political modernization, where a new concept of authority based on accountability, human rights, and individual freedom was introduced.

After King Mohammed VI had dismissed the unpopular Driss Basri, his father's interior minister since 1979, he allowed political exiles back into the country and established an independent commission to compensate victims of human rights violations and guarantee freedom of press. He imposed a zero tolerance policy toward corruption and often reminded his government that he is watching. These spectacular political changes have fueled political media gossips.

Fully aware of the role of the mass media, King Mohammed VI appointed new senior officials for leading the national television and the news agency. This has given the official media a new impulse.

The king owes his popularity not only to the liberal style of government but also to genuine modesty. His name has become associated with social programs designed to help the deprived sectors of society, including the poor, the elderly, and the handicapped. King Mohammed VI has unbanned Ahmed Sanoussi, better known as “Bziz,” Morocco's leading satirist, to present the latest television promotion for the royal charity for poor people. He is lauded in the national and international media as the “king of the poor” because of his marked and immediate concern and compassion toward the deprived.

In his first national televised address, the king pledged to continue Morocco's development. He defended women's rights and spoke against poverty. For him, Morocco's problems are “poverty, misery, and illiteracy.”

Mohammed VI, a media-friendly figure, is behind the transformation of the Moroccan media landscape. In September 2002, he created the High Authority of the Audiovisual Communication (HAAC). In November 2004, the parliament unanimously adopted a new law on the audio-visual communication that will regulate the liberalization, modernize the broadcasting system, and consolidate the democratic process.

To boost its declining audience rating, Moroccan national TVM has started to use the popular figure of King Mohammed VI and his image as a caring sovereign, especially during his official tours of Moroccan cities, where he managed to touch the hearts and minds of the youths. This has given a new dimension to the news bulletin.

During the first year of his reign, Mohammed VI did not give any media interviews. On June 26, 2000, he started his media contact with an exclusive interview with Time magazine, which placed his image on a cover page under the title “The Cool King.” Mohammed VI is no conformist and no conservative. He personified a modern style of leadership. His wife appeared in public, and the press was allowed to photograph her, an open rupture with traditions and a sign of modernity. His wife does not bear the title of queen, but was granted the title of “Her Royal Highness Princess.” She is regarded as Morocco's first lady. In another break with formal protocol, Mohammed VI drives his own car and pays restaurant bills, aiming to set the example for his ministers and state senior officials to follow.

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