Morocco World News
Morocco World News
Fez, August 9, 2012
In an unprecedented move, the Moroccan Prime Minister, Abdelilah Benkirane, apologizes to King Mohammed VI in the wake of an article published in the daily newspaper “Sabah” in its edition of Thursday August 9, entitled: “Benkirane: there is no communication between me and the King’s entourage.
“I can’t but apologize to His Majesty the King for any unintentional harm that I might have caused, and through him I apologize to his distinguished advisers. I avail myself of this opportunity to renew His Majesty expressions of my loyalty and appreciation to His Majesty the King. May God protect him,” Benkirane was quoted by the news website Hespress as saying.
“I regret to announce to the public that the article published by Assabah newspaper in its issue of Thursday, 9 August 2012 under the title (Benkirane: there is no communication between me and the King’s entourage) is full of slander aiming at disturbing the existing cooperation between the constitutional institutions under the leadership of His Majesty the King, may God protect him,” added Benkirane in his statement.
In an interview broadcast on Al Jazeera on July 25, Benkirane had boasted his understanding with the King, saying that he works in close consultation and harmony with him.
Many criticize the head of government, arguing that his main concern seems not to meet the Moroccan people’s main concerns, but rather to please the King and his entourage.
Others lash out at him saying that he does not have the charisma and gravitas to be heading the Moroccan government at this critical juncture in Morocco’s history.
Over the past two weeks, Benkirane came under heavy criticism when he showed his inability to fight corruption and hold corrupt officials and embezzlers to account.