Abdelilah Benkirane's Strong Condemnation of PAM
In a recent parliamentary meeting held in Rabat, Abdelilah Benkirane, the secretary-general of the Justice and Development Party (PJD), did not hold back in his criticism of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), which emerged victorious in the 2026 legislative elections. Benkirane's comments were a direct response to statements made by PAM leaders, including the newly appointed Head of Government, Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, during a session in which a PAM member had accused the PJD of being involved in drug trafficking activities in Safi. This accusation was met with swift rebuttal from Benkirane, who assured attendees that no PJD leader had faced imprisonment for drug-related offenses, contrasting this with the recent prison sentences handed to two high-profile PAM members linked to a notorious drug case dubbed the "Escobar of the Sahara." Following their arrests, PAM swiftly suspended their party memberships in a bid to distance itself from the scandal.
Political Tensions and Concerns for Morocco's Future
Benkirane's remarks underscored a growing atmosphere of tension within the Moroccan parliament, where accusations fly between opposition and governing parties. He expressed concern that PAM, which secured 97 seats in the House of Representatives on September 23, poses a significant threat to Moroccan values and societal norms. Addressing El Mansouri, whom he referred to as the "Marrakchi" head of government, he criticized her approach to governance, implying that PAM was established with the intention of undermining the PJD, rather than genuinely addressing the needs of Moroccan society. Benkirane emphasized the need for a political party to align with the moral and social principles cherished by Moroccans, including Islamic values, stating that PAM is fundamentally disconnected from the core sentiments of the populace. Furthermore, Benkirane raised alarms regarding the government's recent financial commitments, cautioning against the potential pitfalls of excessive borrowing that could burden Morocco with unmanageable debts. He questioned the motivations behind the finance minister's political engagements, suggesting that such distractions could hinder effective fiscal policy. In a stark warning, he expressed his fears not only for the future of Morocco's governance but also for the monarchy itself, asserting that the stability, unity, and peace of mind of the nation are intricately linked to its royal institution. "If you lose your monarchy, you will lose your unity, stability, and peace of mind," he cautioned, highlighting the critical importance of maintaining Morocco's royal legacy amidst the evolving political landscape.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
