Casablanca – Education Minister Nabil Benabdellah said the government must take strong and immediate decisions to restore citizens’ trust in politics and ease their financial burdens, stressing that the first weeks of its work would show whether it could deliver on its commitments.
Speaking on the “Noqta Ila Satr” program on Al Aoula channel yesterday, Benabdellah said his party insisted on including “strong signals” in the government program before agreeing to join the coalition. He described the progressives’ position on joining the government as one of cautious satisfaction.
Benabdellah said the government had committed to criminalizing all forms of conflicts of interest and rent-seeking, introducing mandatory asset declarations, and punishing the disclosure of information intended to secure personal advantages. The program also includes measures to lower prices, establish minimum pension levels, and gradually increase social assistance.
He said the governing parties understood the need to rebuild citizens’ confidence in politics and public administration by turning their promises into practical measures.
Addressing the dismissal of a minister just 48 hours after her appointment, Benabdellah acknowledged an error in the process of verifying candidates for ministerial positions. However, he pointed to the short period between the circulation of reports and the head of government’s decision to seek her dismissal as evidence that the government would not tolerate such cases.
Benabdellah also discussed his consultations with Head of Government Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri. He said he called for a new approach to political affairs and peaceful expression, alongside progress on human rights and equality. According to the minister, the government program reflects these priorities.
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On education, Benabdellah said the government had been surprised by protests organized by preschool educators. He announced plans to meet with unions soon to discuss their demands.
The minister also confirmed that the government was prepared to reconsider the age limit for entering the teaching profession, suggesting that authorities could raise it in the future.
Drawing on his previous experience managing ministerial departments, Benabdellah said political will existed to make difficult decisions. He added that the governing parties had agreed not to direct public support or privileges toward specific individuals or selected lists, and pledged to reject practices linked to corruption, conflicts of interest, and rent-seeking.
He also stressed the importance of the opposition in political life and called on opposition parties to fulfill their responsibilities.
Benabdellah said the government had begun a process aimed at reconciling citizens with politics and public affairs, adding that its success would depend on delivering tangible results.
