Advocate for Change: Moroccan Journalist Dounia Filali’s Bold Call for a Democratic Moroccan Republic Aligned with the Aspirations of the Moroccan Nation

BY: Hana Saada

ALGIERS- In a bold and impassioned plea for change, Moroccan opposition journalist Dounia Filali has called for the establishment of a democratic Moroccan republic that truly represents the aspirations of the Moroccan people. Filali has highlighted the deteriorating living conditions experienced by Moroccans across various aspects of society, blaming the policies of the current regime for this dire situation.

Filali argues that the ruling Makhzen regime, acting as a puppet to the royal family, has failed to provide a clear vision that serves the interests of the Moroccan people. Instead, the regime has focused solely on serving the interests of the royal family and maintaining their grip on power. Filali further contends that the Alaoui family, established by French colonialists, serves as a tool for the French agenda, effectively protecting its members from the Moroccan people who have grown weary of their misguided and detrimental policies.

The opposition journalist emphasizes that the current system lacks democratic principles and fails to empower the people to choose their representatives and hold them accountable. The imposition of the Alaoui family upon the Moroccan people by colonial forces has hindered the nation’s progress, jeopardizing the interests of its citizens while prioritizing the family’s continued rule.

According to Filali, the ruling family has established a dictatorial regime, utilizing elected institutions as a mere façade to defend their own interests and advance the agenda of the Makhzen. The journalist asserts that the king extends his influence and control over these institutions, deceiving the people into believing they have decision-making power. She cites the example of former Prime Minister Saad Dine El Otmani who denied responsibility for the normalization with the Zionist Entity, stressing it was the king’s decision, not that of his party or government.

Filali argues that the current monarch, Mohammed VI, continues this policy of deception by attempting to shift blame onto Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch. She reveals that Akhannouch, a businessman and politician, is merely an executor of the king’s policies, lacking the authority to preside over the ministerial council. Filali maintains that these accusations are aimed at pacifying the Moroccan people’s anger while the real power and decision-making lie in the hands of the king.

Highlighting the pervasive control exerted by the royal institution and its executive apparatus, the Makhzen, Filali asserts that vital sectors, including the economy, are dominated by Mohammed VI and the Alaoui family’s companies. This concentration of power and wealth represents a direct affront to the principles of democracy and institutional governance, favoring the interests of a ruling minority at the expense of the majority.

Filali argues that Morocco’s struggles stem from a dependence on external forces and failed economic and social policies that exclusively serve the ruling minority in collusion with imperialist forces. She strongly believes that any solution that does not address both the overthrow of tyranny and corruption and the liberation from external dependency would betray the homeland and conspire against the real interests of the people.

To forge a better future, Filali calls for the complete dismantling and demolition of the existing structure, particularly the removal of the Alaoui family from power. This would pave the way for the Moroccan people to build a true democracy upon the ashes of the current system and fulfill the comprehensive national liberation project. Under a democratic Moroccan republic, the interests of the Moroccan people would be protected, and accountability for the plundering of Morocco’s wealth would be ensured.

Dounia Filali’s impassioned call for change resonates with the majority of Moroccans who have endured the consequences of a regime that prioritizes self-interest over the welfare of its citizens. As her message spreads, it will undoubtedly inspire further discussions and debate about the path to a democratic future that embodies the hopes and dreams of the Moroccan people.