In recent days, several cities in Morocco have witnessed significant protests expressing social, political, and economic demands amid a deteriorating social situation and a crisis of trust that has intensified following the recent elections organized by the government, which saw widespread boycotting by the populace. These demonstrations reflect a growing social concern among Moroccans, as citizens increasingly believe that the political landscape remains unchanged and that electoral promises continue to be mere slogans, thus highlighting the deepening crisis of trust between the public and the ruling establishment.
Protesters took to the streets in cities such as Rabat, Casablanca, Fez, and Marrakech, raising slogans that call for the translation of electoral promises into tangible actions in areas such as living conditions, reduction of basic commodity prices, job creation, and the fight against unemployment. In addition, they advocated for reforms in education and public health, as well as accountability for officials involved in corruption scandals. Opposition parties have expressed their support for these social demands, asserting that the protests signify widespread public disappointment with the election outcomes and the winning party's ability to effect change.
The victory of the "Authenticity and Modernity Party" (PAM) in the recent legislative elections has sparked extensive debate both inside and outside Morocco, with severe criticisms directed toward the party regarding corruption issues and links to dubious networks, leading to questions about its political image in the public eye. Political and media entities have contended that the political scene has remained stagnant, with the promises of reform and development made during the electoral campaign failing to materialize. They cited commitments to create a million jobs or significantly raise salaries, which they argue are more akin to promotional slogans than to actionable and feasible programs.
In light of scandals associated with the winning party, two prominent leaders from PAM have been implicated in a network linked to a drug lord dubbed the "Desert Escobar." Reports have revealed that one of them used his construction company to facilitate logistical operations related to smuggling, while the other exploited his position as the head of a Moroccan sports club and his institutional connections for money laundering and document forgery. The party has faced intense scrutiny based on legally substantiated corruption cases, providing ample material for the opposition to argue that the winning party cannot lead genuine reform while burdened by corruption allegations. The leader of the "Justice and Development Party" has labeled PAM as a "corrupt party," pointing out that its leaders are entangled in corruption cases and that it does not represent a true reform project.
Furthermore, the election win does not necessarily indicate the dawn of a new era, but rather a continuation of the same policies that have failed to yield tangible results in employment, education, and health. The "Progress and Socialism Party" has criticized PAM's lack of a clear vision, asserting that the involvement of its leaders in smuggling and drug-related issues undermines institutional credibility in the eyes of citizens. Similarly, the leftist alliance, comprising the Democratic Left Federation and the Unified Socialist Party, has echoed this sentiment, stating that PAM's victory reflects a crisis of trust in Moroccan politics, with the persistence of the same figures accused of corruption signifying a profound systemic issue.
International media, particularly from Spain, have remarked that PAM's victory, despite its numerous scandals, embodies a "crisis of trust" in the political approach adopted by the Moroccan establishment, emphasizing that the continuity of the same faces diminishes the country's image before its European partners. The criticisms directed at Morocco following the recent elections indicate that PAM's win has exacerbated the situation, failing to quell public unrest or convince the populace of a genuine commitment to change, leaving the crisis of trust between citizens and the state unresolved.
In another vein, a new wave of protests has emerged, rejecting the normalization of relations between the Moroccan regime and the Israeli entity. This response follows recent reports suggesting an official move to enhance diplomatic relations with Israel, elevating them to the level of embassies. Hundreds of citizens participated in protests across major cities, organized by the "Moroccan Committee for Supporting National Issues," with events held in 45 cities under the slogan "Al-Aqsa Friday and the Rejection of Normalization." Thousands of demonstrators raised Palestinian flags and called for an end to the Israeli aggression on Gaza while demanding the cessation of cooperation with the Israeli entity.
The protests and marches continued in response to a call from the "Moroccan Front for Supporting Palestine and Opposing Normalization," expressing solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Notably, the protests concentrated in vital locations, including the economic capital, Casablanca, Meknes, Beni Mellal, Tetouan, as well as Agadir and Tangier. In Agadir, there was a significant security presence and extensive cordoning to prevent the protest from taking place, with Moroccan security forces deployed across the main square and streets. In Tangier, clashes erupted between protesters and security forces, who attempted to disperse the gatherings, with reports of arrests among demonstrators who chanted for an "immediate reversal" of the diplomatic representation upgrade with Israel.
As reported by aps.dz.
