Rabat – The nationwide protests following the death of Mohcen Fikri, a fish seller who was crushed to death in a trash compactor while protesting the confiscation of his products by the police, played a role in negotiations regarding the formation of the new government coalition after the October 7thelections, according to Head of Government Abdelilah Benkirane.
The top Moroccan politician from the Justice and Development Party (PJD) sat down with the German Press Agency for an interview, during which he said he greatly sympathized with the people of El Hoceima who lost a community member in the gruesome incident.
Benkirane admitted that there are “imbalances” in the Moroccan administration, but added that addressing the imbalances will be the priority of the new government, which the PJD has been elected to lead for the next five years.
The Head of Government also responded to critics who say he should have personally visited Fikri’s family, instead of sending ministers to do his bidding.
“It is true that I did not personally go to give my condolences after the death of this young man, but I did sent three ministers and the head of the council of Tetouan,” he said. “I refuse those who blame me because I have a duty not to declare a position in front of public opinion. It would not be acceptable!”
Benkirane still has not announced a date for the official commencement of the new government, but said during the interview that he prays “God speed up the process.”
