CASABLANCA, Morocco — It has been eight years since the outbreak of the so-called Arab Spring. At that time, the February 20 Movement was born in Morocco, led by Moroccan leftist parties and supported by Al Adl Wal Ihsane, a political Islamic association that is not legally recognized by the Moroccan state. On that day in 2011, tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Rabat and many other Moroccan cities to demand freedom, dignity and social justice.

Among other things, protesters called on dissolving parliament and the government, which was headed by Abbas El Fassi at the time. Many Moroccans saw Fassi as a symbol of political monopoly as his family and relatives occupied various positions in power since the beginning of the 20th century. In addition, protesters demanded the adoption of a democratic constitution that expands the powers of the government and the parliament, and ensures the independence of the judiciary.

On March 9, 2011, in a speech that broke protocol, King Mohammed VI addressed the nation by announcing changing the constitution and strengthening the independence of the executive, legislative and judicial authorities. On July 1, 2011, over 98% of Moroccans voted in favor of this constitution during a national referendum.

Under the new constitution and following the first legislative elections held on Nov. 25, 2011, the Islamic Justice and Development Party won a majority in the parliament and the king appointed the party’s secretary-general, Abdelilah Benkirane, to head the government on Nov. 29, 2011.