The modern Makhzen
Behind the façade: how power works in Morocco, from the Palace to the government, from the economy to the families that matter.
High-speed trains, modern ports, major sporting events: this is the Morocco seen from outside. This series looks at the other side, the power structure Moroccans call the Makhzen. Each part is a self-contained explainer, with sources at the end; read in sequence, they make up a map of the system.
The series takes up, verifies and expands the carousels published on Instagram by @khaima.reports since June 2026.
Articles in this series
What is the Makhzen?
A word every Moroccan knows and no law defines. Where it comes from, what it means today and why it matters for understanding who decides in Morocco.
What powers does the king of Morocco hold?
The 2011 Constitution was presented as a democratic turning point. Reading it article by article shows how much power stayed with the Palace.
Why did Morocco go five months without a government?
In 2016 the PJD won the elections but could not form a majority. After the Palace stepped in, the new government was formed in three weeks, with the party the winner had refused.