Rabat, January 2, 2012 (MAP)
Rabat, January 2, 2012 (MAP)
The beginning of the countdown for the announcement of the new government, the resignation of Aziz Akhannouch from the National Rally for Independents (RNI) and the speculations on portfolios distribution were the main issues that dominated the front pages of Monday’s papers.
Most dailies said that the countdown for the announcement of the new government has started. AKHBAR AL YAOUM AL MAGHRIBIA says that the new cabinet will be announced on Monday or Tuesday in Ifrane.
Al Khabar quotes Benkirane as saying that the new government will include non-partisan technocrats.
Al Massae writes that following the modifications made by the Palace, the ministry of Finance will be split into the department of economy and finance which will be assigned to Nizar Baraka from the Independence Party (PI) and the department of Budget and Taxes, to be taken by PJD’s Najib Boulif.
The Daily adds that PJD’s Abdelaziz Rebbah will be entrusted with the Ministry of Equipment and Transport which was a subject of fierce debate between the PJD and the PI.
Other dailies report that the Ministry of Communication and Culture will go to the PI while the Popular Movement (MP) will take the Ministry of Energy and Mining.
Le Soir Echos ascribed the delay in the government formation process to the proposal of Mustapha Ramid to take the Justice Ministry.
The resignation of Aziz Akhannouch, Agriculture and fisheries minister in the outgoing government, from the RNI drew much of the dailies attention. They unanimously considered this move as a happy new year gift to Benkirane. Some papers even speculated about a potential nomination of Akhannouch in the incoming government.
