Morocco Faces Political Turmoil: Minister Dismissed After Just Two Days
In a surprising political development in Morocco, the royal office has announced the dismissal of newly appointed Minister Madiha Khair just two days after her appointment. This decision came amidst the circulation of medical documents concerning her mental health, which surfaced in connection with a 2004 fraud case. The swift action was taken at the request of Prime Minister Fatima Zahra Mansouri, reflecting a significant political and institutional consideration from the government and the parliamentary majority. Khair, a member of the Istiqlal Party, had recently garnered attention for her electoral success in Béni Mellal.
On October 19, 2026, the royal office released a statement confirming that King Mohammed VI approved the request from Prime Minister Mansouri to relieve Khair from her duties, in accordance with Article 47 of the Moroccan constitution. Government spokesperson Samir Belfki stated that the government's immediate response was crucial due to the sensitive nature of the personal and legal information that emerged during Khair's appointment. The priority was to ensure the government could continue its constitutional formation without distractions.
The decision to dismiss Khair is set against the backdrop of intense discussions on social media, which erupted following the announcement of the new government lineup. The documents circulating online reportedly included a medical certificate from a psychiatrist, indicating previous suicide attempts and psychological instability. These revelations have sparked a heated debate regarding her fitness for the ministerial position, drawing both public scrutiny and media attention.
Although local reports mention the claims regarding Khair's mental health, the authenticity of the documents has not been independently verified, and no official judicial body has commented on the matter. This incident raises pertinent questions about the intersection of personal health and public service, especially in a country where political stability is paramount.
Khair's political ascent began when she topped the electoral list in the Béni Mellal constituency, receiving over 21,000 votes, which led to her initial appointment as the head of her party's parliamentary group before transitioning into a governmental role.
In light of this incident, the Moroccan government faces the challenge of maintaining public trust while navigating the complexities of political appointments and the implications of personal histories on public service roles.
As reported by asharq.com.
