Morocco's Leadership Scrutinized During Migrant Surge
In a significant political move, Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch has abruptly ended his vacation upon the directive of King Mohammed VI, amidst a burgeoning crisis involving the influx of over 70,000 migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, primarily through perilous sea crossings. The Prime Minister's decision to take a holiday during such a critical situation has sparked widespread criticism and discontent among the public and media alike, prompting the royal intervention to bring him back to Morocco.
The Prime Minister's trip, which lasted less than 48 hours, saw him departing shortly after participating in the Throne Day ceremony in Tetouan. He was reportedly en route to Mallorca, Spain, accompanied by family and friends, highlighting a stark contrast to the urgent humanitarian issues unfolding at the border. The situation in Ceuta has been described as one of the most severe migrant crises, drawing attention not only from local media but also from social media platforms where the public expressed their outrage over Akhannouch's absence.
Government Response and Public Reaction
Upon his return, Akhannouch's response to the crisis has been notably muted, focusing instead on positive economic indicators such as the decline in unemployment rates, which he shared via social media. However, this lack of communication regarding the situation in Ceuta has been criticized heavily, especially given the Moroccan government's silence during the initial days of the crisis. While many citizens anticipated a statement from the Prime Minister, it was the Moroccan Ministry of Interior that eventually addressed the media, albeit five days after the crisis began.
As reported by rfi.fr.
