Zoumi's Involvement and Legal Proceedings
Recently, prominent labor leader Khadija Zoumi has found herself at the center of a judicial investigation regarding the sale of the headquarters of the General Union of Moroccan Workers (UGTM). This investigation has particularly focused on the sale of the "Association for Solidarity, Cooperation, and Social Assistance" located near Sefrou. Following the emergence of her name during discussions about this controversial sale, Zoumi sought clarification from legal experts regarding the claims made against her, emphasizing her support for a thorough investigation led by the public prosecutor’s office to uncover the necessary details.
Her name was brought up during a press conference held in Fes, presided over by Idriss Ablahed, the regional secretary of the UGTM. During this event, it was alleged that Zoumi, who formerly chaired the women's organization associated with the Union, had overseen the sale of the association's headquarters. This facility served as a social services institution for the union's members and their families.
Details of the Sale and Internal Union Dynamics
In response to inquiries regarding the sale process that implicated Zoumi, a source familiar with the situation provided insight into the legal proceedings. The sale was conducted through the court system and involved a public auction due to an outstanding debt of 95 million dirhams linked to the property. When negotiations failed to reach an agreement, the court ruled in favor of the creditor. During the auction, a bid was placed that matched the debt completely, prompting UGTM's general secretary, Naim Miara, to intervene and propose a resolution by suggesting another party purchase the property for a sum exceeding the debt amount. This additional revenue was legally transferred to the UGTM through a judicial officer.
The association in question had been dissolved by that time and was no longer operational, allowing for the legal transfer of its assets. It is important to note that these events occurred in 2019 and were ratified within the union's general assembly and conference, rendering the entire process compliant with legal standards. The source indicated that should the public prosecutor decide to reopen the case, all pertinent details could be verified through official records held by the UGTM.
The current turmoil within the General Union of Moroccan Workers has led to calls for an extraordinary conference aimed at either ousting the current leadership or reassessing its management practices. This unrest is rooted in accusations against certain members of the executive board regarding mismanagement of financial and administrative matters, particularly related to real estate and the organization's properties. This so-called 'corrective movement' reflects the internal divisions within the union, as some factions believe that fresh leadership is essential to maintain organizational unity amid rising tensions that have recently escalated into a public crisis.
Contrarily, voices within the union argue in defense of the legitimacy of Miara's leadership, suggesting that the allegations are merely political maneuverings initiated by individuals who were once beneficiaries of the existing structure. According to these sources, the General Secretary of the Independence Party, Minister Nizar Baraka, remains steadfast in his position against intervening in the situation, aiming to avoid any repercussions this conflict might have on the party's standing in the upcoming elections.
As reported by hespress.com.
