Morocco World New with Maghreb Intelligence
Morocco World New with Maghreb Intelligence
Rabat, Nov 20, 2012
After a period of euphoria following his appointment as head of government, Abdelilah Benkirane is now going through very difficult times. Indeed, the four-party coalition government is seriously beginning to crack under the blows of a twirling Hamid Chabat. The leader of the Istiqlal Party (the Independence Party), who called for a cabinet reshuffle early next year, has multiplied ‘friendly’ meetings with opposition parties in the past few days.
He has held meetings in quick succession with Abdelouahed Radi and Salaheddine Mezouar, heads of the USFP and RNI, both bitter rivals of the PJD. The draft of another coalition government that would replace Islamist Abdelilah Benkirane’s government is being seriously discussed in the press.
However, this scenario seems highly improbable as it would require a censure motion for Benkirane’s team to step down. But this is not the only concern of the current government. Since its coming to power almost a year ago, Benkirane’s government has been lacking medium-term vision.
It seems to be stuck and not be able to master the different agendas. By trying to open erratically multiple cases at the same time, the PJD ministers give an image of general cacophony. Even some Western embassies who did not hide their deep sympathy for this team, start sending signals of exasperation. “The only handicap of this government are the PJD ministers. Each of them is a government alone. This cannot hold for 4 more years, otherwise the country will go to disaster ‘, warns a former minister who is rather close to the theses of the PJD.
Already, eyes turn to a draft budget for 2013 which is strongly contested and could sign the beginning of the end for Benkirane’s government. Several members of the majority, including of the Istiqlal and PPS, threatened to vote against it. A foretaste of what awaits the head of Morocco’s Islamist government.
Edited by Louise Riondel
