Fes Movement Calls for Leadership Overhaul in the Socialist Union
In the wake of disappointing results from the September 23 elections, members of the Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP) in Fes have expressed a strong internal backlash against the current leadership, particularly targeting the Secretary-General, Idriss Lachgar. The local faction, referred to as the "Fes Movement," has laid the blame for what they term as "dismal results" squarely on the shoulders of the current leadership, demanding an extraordinary national conference to renew the party's leadership. This comes at a time when the central leadership has left the door open for potential participation in the forthcoming government.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Fes Movement articulated their belief that the party's decline in both ranking and votes was not a fleeting electoral setback but rather a consequence of what they described as "individual, undemocratic, and unethical management" within the party. They pointed out that this mismanagement has significantly tarnished the party's image among the public and potential voters.
The signatories of the statement directed pointed criticism at Idriss Lachgar, arguing that his extension for a fourth term was conducted in a "non-democratic manner." They claimed that the electoral preparation process was characterized by individual decision-making and the recruitment of individuals with no connection to the party, alongside questionable practices related to the endorsement of regional lists for women candidates.
The statement also highlighted a "vague political line" throughout the outgoing legislative term, noting that the party's hesitance to engage in various legislative and social initiatives has adversely affected its electoral standing. The authors of the statement went beyond merely critiquing the results; they interpreted the weak voter turnout for the party's candidates as a clear political message indicating the necessity for the USFP to position itself in the opposition. They urged the party to heed this voter sentiment rather than pursue a role within the new government.
This stance stands in stark contrast to the central leadership's direction, which, following a meeting of its political bureau, has authorized Idriss Lachgar and National Council President Mustafa Ajab to continue negotiations with the appointed Prime Minister, Fatima Zahra Mansouri. The political bureau's communiqué indicated that the door remains open for government participation if conditions for an alliance based on shared political and ideological references are met.
On September 30, Lachgar met with Mansouri as part of consultations to form a governmental majority. The Fes Movement is calling for an urgent extraordinary national conference, advocating for a format that would allow for the re-integration of talents and human resources that have left or been sidelined for political or organizational reasons.
The statement holds the current leadership accountable for what they perceive as a decline in the party's standing and history, calling for a "self-critique and apology" before proceeding to an extraordinary conference aimed at restructuring the organization. In conclusion, the signatories asserted that the election results have undermined the "legitimacy" of the current leadership, urging other party members across Morocco to express similar sentiments and warning that maintaining the status quo could lead to further organizational and political decline.
As reported by ar.telquel.ma.
