Rabat- Left-wing politician Omar Balafrej said that he “respectfully” disagrees with some content in King Mohammed VI’s Throne Day speech, revealing that he was anticipating the King’s pardon for imprisoned Rif activists.
Balafrej, who is known for his criticism of the country’s political system, made a live video interview Tuesday on his Facebook page to discuss a number of issues, including the monarch’s Throne Day speech which aired on the evening of July 29.
The politician did not specify the points he disagreed with in the speech; however, he emphasized his right to do so.
“I disagree with the solutions that the royal speech suggested in the 19th anniversary of the King’s accession to the throne…. I have the right to discuss the King’s speech, as a political activist and citizen, but within the limits of respect to the monarch.”
Balafrej went on to say that the King’s speech brought commendable points to light such as the importance of developing the state education in terms of boarding facilities, transportation, cafeterias, and funding for students’ education.
He had hoped that the King would announce pardons for the Rif activists who were sentenced 1 to 20 years for their involvement in Hirak Rif protests of social disparities, which reverberated across the Al Hoceima region in 2016 and 2017.
Moreover, the politician pointed out that the country is facing a crisis of trust in institutions, “embodied in the ongoing boycott campaign.” He added that the protests in the Rif region were justified by the negligence of their rights.
Lastly, Balafrej said that he did not attend the oath-taking ceremony of officers on Tuesday because he did not receive an invitation from the royal palace.
The oath-taking ceremony took place the day after Throne Day, at the Mechouar Royal Palace in Tetouan.
