The New King

Our guide, Saida, says:

"Our young King, he's so handsome isn't he!... So energetic! He's always on the go. From town to town, from city to city. He wants the people to see him, to know he cares about them. Last week he went to the town of Meknes, a very very holy place. People make pilgimages to this town every year. The town's only income now is through tourism and so some families have been opening their homes to rent during the holy season. But because of much much paperwork to gain approval to do this, not so many families have done it. So the King came to Meknes and he said. 'I want you all to open up your homes during the holy season. I will do away with this bureaucratic paperwork.' And so, I think the people of Meknes are blessed."

Mohammed VI, age 43, has been King of Morocco for only six years. He assumed the monarchy on his father's death and shortly after he moved out of the palace to a more simple home in Rabat. He also sold off most of the Royal limousines, saying to his Court, 'Why do we have so many cars when too many of our people have so little to eat?' Whenever possible he drives his own car -- although not without a large entourage of soldiers and secret service we noticed first hand.

When our group of seven was hiking in a remote hilly area we suddenly came upon a road scattered with military men. They were expecting the king to come fishing in his favorite reservoir that day. Our single woman hiker asked to be photographed with two of the men in uniform. They posed with pleasure. Who knew when the king would turn up? It was a beautiful day and they had all the time in the world.

Mohammed VI is now popularly known as "The King of the Poor" and has continued to create new projects to raise the standard of living. Lately he has begun working on programs to benefit the handicapped. These last six years have shown marked improvement for women's independence and protection.

"In just six years with our new king we women have seen great changes. Do you know now when a man wants to take a another wife he must bring home a paper for the first wife to sign. Before one day a new wife could just appear from nowhere, just out of the dust!"

Moroccans have begun to realize that revenge is no longer part of the monarchy. Soon after his crowning, the new king fired Driss Basri, his father's much-feared Interior Minister. Private people and government employees are encouraged to speak freely without fear of punishment or imprisionment. The new king seems intent on advancing democracy, Moroccan-style, of course.

Susan