Definitions for "MAKHZEN"
name given in Morocco to the central administration together with the Sultan's governmental suite
Makhzen is a Moroccan Arabic term for the governing elite in Morocco, centered around the king and consisting of royal notables, businessmen, wealthy landowners, tribal leaders, top-ranking military personnel, security service bosses, and other well-connected members of the establishment. Today, this term carries a heavy negative charge which means the abscence of democracy and freedom and the absolute rule of dictatorship, the state or even corruption. The term is used in Moroccan independent newspapers to describe or condemn the lack of democracy and the human rights abuses committed by state police or officials.
Keywords:  government