Idris Lachkar, the First Secretary of the Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP), addressed an enthusiastic crowd in Fes on Saturday, September 19, 2026, asserting that the ruling coalition parties are responsible for the current state of the nation. He urged voters to hold these parties accountable through the ballot box, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement in the upcoming elections.
This statement was made during a public gathering in Fes, which was not initially part of his campaign itinerary that included stops in Berkan and Taza before heading towards Meknes. The decision to pause in Fes was initiated by party activists, aiming to connect with supporters, as Lachkar referred to the city as a "fortress of struggle" for the party.
Lachkar critiqued the positions of the majority parties, accusing them of voting against amendments and proposals previously put forth by the Socialist group in Parliament, only to incorporate similar ideas in their current electoral programs. He highlighted the inconsistency of these parties, questioning their credibility and commitment to the electorate.
As the campaign progresses, Lachkar has noted that many of the proposals presented in the current electoral programs echo those defended by the USFP for years. He raised concerns about the rationale behind previously rejecting these proposals in the legislative body, only to later include them in election platforms.
During the election campaign, he pointed to the massive turnout at the Fes gathering as a reflection of support for USFP candidates, despite what he described as "misleading tactics" employed by rival parties. He criticized the way majority parties engage with voters, suggesting that some electoral rhetoric treats citizens as if they lack political memory. Lachkar called for revisiting discussions on financial laws in Parliament to reconsider the stances of these parties regarding the proposals previously introduced by the USFP.
Furthermore, he addressed the issue of public funding, criticizing the allocation of resources to certain groups and projects that do not necessarily face significant barriers to accessing funding, while young entrepreneurs and small businesses encounter obstacles. Lachkar proposed the establishment of a committee to examine cases where banks reject project financing requests, suggesting that the state could intervene to compensate for bank financing in deserving cases.
He articulated that state contributions could potentially cover 80% to 90% of the funding value for young entrepreneurs, facilitating their access to finance and encouraging economic initiatives. Additionally, Lachkar urged citizens to participate actively in the elections scheduled for Wednesday, September 23, 2026, advocating for votes in favor of the party by marking an "X" next to the rose symbol on both local and regional lists.
The party emphasized that participating in the election is an opportunity to exercise the right to contribute to public affairs, urging citizens to reflect on the outcomes of the past five years before making their electoral decisions, and to question the performance of those who have held responsibility during that time. USFP stressed that the results of the choices made at the ballot box will have implications for the years ahead, asserting that voting provides citizens a platform to express their vision for the future and their aspirations for improving living conditions and achieving more equitable development.
The party believes that development should not be limited to mere numbers and indicators but should tangibly impact citizens' daily lives by reducing social inequalities and ensuring broader access to the benefits of developmental projects. Moreover, the USFP introduced the concept of a "new alternative" as a gateway to a different political practice, reaffirming that the rose symbol is deeply rooted in the party's political memory, linked to issues of change, democracy, and social justice.
In conclusion, Lachkar called on voters to take responsibility in the upcoming elections, emphasizing that their participation is crucial in shaping the course of the forthcoming years. The USFP concluded its address with slogans centered on honesty, loyalty, equitable development, and dignified living, encouraging voters to choose the rose symbol during the electoral process on September 23.
As reported by journal24.ma.
