Parliamentary Tensions Erupt Over Eid Livestock Prices
A recent session in Morocco's House of Representatives was abruptly suspended due to a heated exchange between lawmakers, stemming from comments made by socialist lawmaker Idriss Chhtibi. During a debate focused on the pricing of sheep for Eid al-Adha, Chhtibi accused members of the Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD) of being "Shiite," a remark that not only sparked outrage among PJD members but also led to a significant escalation in tensions within the parliamentary chamber.
The session's conflict began when Agriculture Minister Ahmed El Bouari defended the government's position on sheep availability in Moroccan markets, stating that prices began at approximately 1,000 dirhams. His assertion was met with skepticism and derision from opposition lawmakers, who quickly challenged the validity of these prices. As the atmosphere grew increasingly charged, Chhtibi, who was presiding over the session, made his controversial comments likening PJD lawmakers to "Shiites and communists," prompting immediate calls from opposition MPs for him to retract his statements.
PJD lawmaker Mustapha Ibrahimi vocally objected, clarifying that the members of his party identified as "Moroccan Sunnis, not Shiites," while Chhtibi remained defiant, asserting that his remarks were drawn from previous statements made by former PJD leader Abdelilah Benkirane regarding the party's historical associations with Iran. The verbal altercation escalated to the point where parliamentary leaders deemed it necessary to suspend the session for over 20 minutes in order to restore order and allow for consultations among members.
This political skirmish unfolded during a period of heightened scrutiny regarding livestock prices, particularly as Eid al-Adha approaches. The Moroccan livestock market has faced significant challenges in recent years, exacerbated by drought and a noticeable decrease in the national herd. Minister El Bouari defended the government's management of the livestock sector, citing extensive veterinary inspections to ensure the health of the national herd and the absence of contagious diseases. Despite his defense, he faced critical opposition when he claimed that sheep were still available at the previously mentioned lower price ranges. After the session resumed, the minister acknowledged his earlier misstatement, conceding that current market prices were actually closer to 2,000 to 2,500 dirhams.
As reported by en.hespress.com.
