The Political Landscape in Morocco: An Ominous Silence
As Morocco gears up for its legislative elections, political rallies are occurring in cities across the kingdom, with leaders of major political parties mobilizing their supporters and competing with slogans and promises. However, Hassan Benaddi, the former Secretary General of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), has raised a critical concern regarding a significant issue that has been noticeably absent from this electoral campaign: the recent acts of hostility towards Morocco in Spain. His remarks come in light of disturbing incidents, including the desecration of the Moroccan flag in Madrid and various attacks targeting Morocco and its symbols.
In a statement to _Le360_, Benaddi expressed his outrage upon witnessing the images and comments circulated by Spanish media in recent days. He lamented, "We have seen leaders of major political formations celebrating and dancing at meetings, yet no one has taken the initiative to respond to the Spanish provocations." His frustration highlights a perceived failure of Moroccan political leaders to address these pressing issues during a time when they are actively campaigning and engaging with constituents.
Recent Provocations and Historical Context
Benaddi specifically referenced an incident that occurred on September 2 in Madrid, where Pedro Chaparro and Gonzalo Martín, president and vice-president of the far-right party _Democracia Nacional_, publicly tore a Moroccan flag in front of the Spanish Congress. This act, which they claimed was a protest against alleged Moroccan threats, was accompanied by slogans asserting the sovereignty of Ceuta and Melilla, as well as the Canary Islands, as "always Spanish." For Benaddi, such a desecration cannot be dismissed as a mere political stunt; instead, it should be viewed as part of a broader narrative hostile to Morocco.
He asserts that the recent wave of accusations against Morocco from certain segments of the Spanish political and media landscape, particularly following the migration crisis at Ceuta, demands a robust and unified response from Moroccan political leaders. The Spanish Popular Party has accused Morocco of being "responsible, by action or omission," for the mass arrivals of migrants to Ceuta at the end of July. Furthermore, allegations suggesting that Moroccan services orchestrated these arrivals have been circulated, although the Spanish police have since denied the existence of any such report implicating Moroccan authorities.
Benaddi emphasizes that this accumulation of incidents should serve as a wake-up call for Moroccan political figures. He draws parallels to the anti-colonial struggle, stating, "These are the remnants of a colonial and supremacist mindset that looks down upon Moroccans." He invokes the legacy of Allal Ben Abdellah, a prominent figure in Moroccan resistance, who did not seek permission to act in defense of his country's interests. Benaddi's historical reference underscores a vision of patriotism rooted in initiative and personal responsibility, rather than political passivity.
Ultimately, Hassan Benaddi's critique extends beyond mere party politics; he calls for a national stance on issues that transcend electoral rivalries and partisan affiliations. In a time of rising tensions and challenges, he argues that Morocco requires citizens who are willing to take initiative and act decisively for the nation's interests.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
