Moroccan King Calls for Government Shakeup

Moroccan King Mohammed VI has called for a government reshuffle, deeming the country’s policies insufficient in meeting citizens’ needs. In a speech marking his 20-year-rule, Mohammed VI criticized the Islamist-led government and tasked Prime Minister Saad Eddine El Othmani with proposing new political candidates in the fall. The king added that he wants to form a committee to oversee the Rabat’s reforms on investment, education, agriculture and health. At the same time, he emphasized key achievements, especially in infrastructure, such as highways, high-speed railway, ports, renewable energy and urban development. “What undermines this positive result is that the effects of the progress and the achievements made has not, unfortunately, been felt by all segments of the Moroccan society,” he said. Poverty rates in the North African country remain high and frustration has led to two major protests in the past three years.