Major International Media Outlets Expose Mohammed VI’s Lavish Lifestyle Amid Earthquake Crisis in Morocco
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- The Alaouite throne has recently come under intense scrutiny from various social circles and international media outlets. The catalyst for this critical evaluation is the government’s failure to effectively manage the devastating earthquake disaster and its dire consequences for the affected populace.
Prominent newspapers and influential international media organizations have been at the forefront of highlighting the growing public discontent and directing harsh criticism toward the Makhzen regime. Among these media outlets are Spanish publications like “Al Pais” and “El Mundo,” France’s “Liberation,” “BMFTV,” and the satirical magazine “Charlie Hebdo.” The Washington Post and the Washington Times of the Americas from the United States, as well as Australia’s ABC, have also weighed in on the issue, bringing the global spotlight onto Morocco.
In this evolving context, Badr Laidoudi, an opposition activist from the Rif and notable media figure, asserts that the earthquake has transcended its initial humanitarian dimension and has now taken on distinct political implications. He likens it to an earthquake shaking the very foundations of the Alaouite throne. In an article published by Al-Pais, the “disdain of Mohammed VI,” who heads the Moroccan government, is underlined as he is directly accountable for the administration’s response to the crisis. As the earthquake disaster claimed the lives of Moroccans, the royal family and their associates were perceived to be living an extravagant and luxurious life.
Laidoudi emphasizes that Mohammed VI is currently facing one of the most significant waves of criticism during his nearly 25-year reign, primarily due to his mishandling of the Al Haouz earthquake’s aftermath.
Moreover, Laidoudi states that the government is deliberately concealing the true extent of the disaster’s impact, especially regarding the number of missing individuals. There is also a lack of comprehensive information about the specific districts and rural areas affected by the earthquake.
The Moroccan opposition journalist goes further to characterize the earthquake victims as martyrs, attributing their deaths to a systemic failure rooted in Mohammed VI’s inaction and his perceived exploitation of their tragedy for political gain.
Several media outlets have pointed to a noticeable delay in decision-making as a recurring issue within the Makhzen government’s response to the crisis. This included the King’s late return from France, leaving his people in uncertainty for over 24 hours, and subsequent hesitation in addressing urgent matters related to the earthquake’s aftermath.
Catalan newspaper El Nacional strongly criticized Mohammed VI, branding him a “tyrannical king” who amassed wealth through oppression and the exploitation of Morocco’s resources, leaving its people impoverished and living in dire conditions.
In a similar vein, El Pais, closely aligned with the Spanish government, criticized the King’s understanding of Morocco’ sovereignty. It argued that he should have set aside political considerations and welcomed aid from countries considered as adversaries if it meant alleviating the suffering of those affected.
Australia’s ABC joined the chorus of criticism, highlighting the Makhzen government’s performance in dealing with the earthquake’s consequences. It also delved into the opulent lifestyle enjoyed by the King and his family, which stands in stark contrast to the hardships endured by the Moroccan people. Additionally, the publication noted the King’s close association with the Abu Zaiter brothers and the growing influence of Princess Maryam, who is increasingly seen as a powerful figure compared to her brother, the King, during these tumultuous times in Morocco
