King’s powers The King’s powers are fixed by the Constitution. Chapter Two of the Constitution, entitled “Monarchy” underlines, according to the principles of the Islamic organisation of the public powers, the fact that the King is “Amir Al-Muminin”.  He is also, according to Article 19, the symbol of the unity of the nation, the guarantor of the perpetuation and the continuity of the state. He ensures the respect for Islam and the Constitution.   Finally, he is the protector of the rights and liberties of citizens, social groups and organizations. By the same token, he is the guarantor of the independence of the Nation and the territorial integrity of the Kingdom within all its rightful boundaries.  The king’s prerogatives are exercised at various levels:

The King shall appoint the Prime Minister.

Upon the Prime Minister's recommendation, the King shall appoint the other Cabinet members as he may terminate their services.

The King shall terminate the services of the Government either on his own initiative or because of their resignation. The King shall preside over Cabinet meetings and exercise the statutory power. The King shall be the Commander-in-chief of the Royal Armed Forces. He shall make civil and military appointments and shall reserve the right to delegate such a power. The King shall nominate, sign and ratify international treaties. However, treaties committing State finances shall not be ratified without having been approved by the law (Article 31).

 The King shall exercise the right of granting pardon, preside over the Supreme Council of the Magistracy, the Supreme Council of Education and the Supreme Council for National Reconstruction and Planning.

In case of exceptional circumstances, the King’s powers are determined by Article 35 of the Constitution: “Should the integrity of the national territory ever be under threat or should any event interrupt the course of action of the constitutional institutions, the King shall, after consulting with the President of the House of Representatives and the president of the House of Counsellors as well as the Chairman of the Constitutional Council, and addressing the Nation, have the right to declare a State of Emergency by Royal Decree. Notwithstanding all contrary provisions, he shall hence assume the responsibility of taking all the necessary measures for the country's defence and the restoration of a normal functioning of constitutional institutions and State affairs.

The State of Emergency shall not entail the dissolution of the Parliament. It shall be terminated according to the same procedure followed in the proclamation thereof”.