The end result is to remind everyone that power in Morocco is arbitrary

A direct consequence of concentration of power.

But unlike Europe in those days, Moroccans of today don’t even have ideology to fall back on as a new source of meaning.

Guess again.

They have succeeded in disorienting the people while remaining the masters of everything, so they let people say what they like, more or less, because they know that useless talk is a way to let off steam, an escape valve for the excess pressure—and in the end it will come to nothing, because the pistons firing so rapidly aren’t connected to any drive shaft, and there are no wheels on this car.

Brilliant analogy!

One can’t help but wonder if the problem lies in the system itself.

Bingo!

The Moroccan king termed this sort of thinking nihilistic

The monarchy also claims divine legitimacy. What’s your point?

It will require many small acts of courage by teachers, doctors, bureaucrats and mothers willing to say, Enough is enough!

Your average Moroccan doesn’t think that. They think everything is just dandy.

Indeed, as long as one stays off politics, it is possible to feed yourself, get shelter and raise 2.1 children. Ideals be damned!

to speak up for those whose only ambition is to live a modest life free of hassles and with a modicum of dignity;

I should start reading the whole text before replying.

Agreed.

It will require an optimistic spirit

That doesn’t exist. And that is why the youth (among others) is fleeing – or attempting to flee – the country.

We have been terrorized for far too long.

Obviously this will involve sacrifice

And obviously, nobody is willing to sacrifice themselves.

People know what Hassan 2 did to the family of Oufkir, for exemple.

a system of governance based on profit-taking and handouts, which ensures the complicity of nearly everyone in keeping things as they are.

This.

But let’s not forget that the system of governance is also based on radical and almost inhumane repression.

We have the leaders we deserve.