Rabat, January 31, 2012 (MAP)
Rabat, January 31, 2012 (MAP)
Moroccan-Algerian relations, the future of the Maghreban union, the challenges facing the new government and the early elimination of Morocco from the Africa Cup of Nations are among the main issues dealt with in the editorials of Moroccan dailies issued on Monday.
Le Matin du Sahara et du Maghreb writes that the choice of Morocco’s Foreign Minister to dedicate his first official visit abroad to Algeria mirrors a strong will to improve bilateral relation.
Albeit the visit’s symbolic character, it represents a step forward and its impact was felt among Algerian officials who welcomed it, says the paper.
The editorialist, however, deems that “the Maghreb will remain an illusion, null and void as long as Algeria remains opposed to the Moroccan people’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty.”
In the same connection, le Soir Echos stresses that the future of Morocco is inconceivable without the Maghreb and Africa.
The editorialist deplores the feeble Intra-Maghreban exchange, noting that opening borders in addition to adopting tax unity and a single currency will help the countries of the region fare with a constantly changing and globalised world.
Al Ahdath Al Maghribia, for its part, writes about the positive climate felt after the announcement of the new PJD-led government.
The statements of the new Ministers and the Head of Government broke with the previous political discourses through avoiding political cant, highlights the daily.
The paper stresses the need for the new government to move into action through adopting bold measures instead of being contented with expressing good intentions.
Annahar Al Maghribia sheds light on the promises delivered by the Justice and Development Party (PJD) during the electoral campain. The paper says that many of these promises were not upheld, notably in terms of creating job opportunities and increasing the minimum salary to 3000 dirhams per month.
The disappointing performance of Morocco’s football team in the Africa Cup of Nations continues to stir heated debate. L’Opinion calls the Atlas Lions’ early elimination as a “shock”, calling for drawing lessons from this failure to engage in reforms.
Moroccans have to turn the page of the Africa Cup of Nations 2012, the editorialist says, stressing the need for hiring a Moroccan technical staff.
From another perspective, Akhbar Al Yaoum wonders in an editorial on the capacity of the president of the Moroccan football federation (FRMF), Ali Fassi Fihri, to resist the discontent of the public opinion who are calling for the resignation of the current administration of the federation.
The paper blames the head of the FRMF for not even holding a press conference to explain the reasons behind the unexpected knocking out of Morocco from the African tournament.
