However, his rule also included periods known as the “Years of Lead,” during which political opposition was suppressed, and reports of human rights abuses were widespread. One of the defining moments of his leadership was the organization of the Green March in 1975. This mass demonstration involved hundreds of thousands of Moroccans crossing into Western Sahara to assert Morocco’s claim over the territory after Spain withdrew.
The event significantly shaped the ongoing Western Sahara conflict and remains a key part of his legacy. Economically, Hassan II pursued modernization efforts, investing in infrastructure, agriculture, and industry. At the same time, Morocco faced economic challenges, including debt and inequality, which led to periods of social unrest. In the 1990s, toward the end of his reign, he introduced some political reforms, allowing for greater openness and limited democratic participation.
