in to end the mandate of the Ibrahim government. He announced in a nationwide speech that he was assuming control of the government hinself with the Crown Prince as Vicepremier, and asked individuals of all tendencies to help him form a cabinet of national union. All groups except the UNFP agreed to participate in this stabilization effort.128The Unired States TNU
Since 196o Morocco has been governed as well as reigned over by its monarchs, Muhammad V until his sudden death in February 1961, and Hassan II thereafter. In thar interval, although there have been few changes in political srucrure, a clear division has emerged between the palace and its supporters in groups representing conservative and nural elements, and the opposition entrenched in the industrial cities along the Atlantic coast, where in municipal elections in 196o (the only elections yet held in Morocco) its candidates won a majoriry.
The monarchy is the point of departure for any understanding of modern Morocco, and it is more than just one of many political ingredients. The 'Alawite fanily has ruled for three centuries and has by now fonged a strong affective bond between itself and the people, which makes the throne as close to the heart of the continuing tradition of the nation as possible. Thus the King, who wields power not only as the malik, or temporal executive, but also as inam, the spiritual leader of the Moroccan Muslim communiry, is the evocaion of the national personality. His popularicy among simple and rural people approaches adulation and if in the ciries there is a newer, sophiscicated view of him as a polirical figure, he can still never really be looked on by any Moroccan as an ordinary individual. The decision of the royal family to step into the arena of politics was a fateful one. It raised cries of arbitrariness and "personal power" from the UNFP opposicion, and caused discussion in many circles, but until now there has been no sign that any other force in the country is capable of assuring national solidaricy.
Until the end of 1962 Morocco was an absolute monarchy in
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