Morocco’s Government Satisfied With Performance Amid Socio-Economic Crisis

Rabat – Morocco’s government spokesperson Mustapha Baitas said that the cabinet is “very satisfied” with its performances while the country faces a “difficult international context.”

During the weekly press briefing on Wednesday, Baitas said that the government is operating amid a special and complex global context of high prices, inflation, water scarcity as well as the lingering effects of the COVID-19 crisis.

“Despite the difficult context, the government has taken a number of measures in order to maintain the national economy’s strength,” the minister argued.

He added that the cabinet is now tackling a “confused financial situation at the international level,” citing the expected growth rate to reach 1.3%.

“We understand the repercussions on the national economy, especially on the purchasing power of citizens,” he said, highlighting the current difficulties facing middle and working-class people.

The Moroccan government has frequently expressed its satisfaction with the measures taken to limit the impact of the ongoing economic crisis.

The reassurance from the government, however, comes amid social media campaigns that have been sweeping online networks across Morocco in recent weeks.

Many citizens are taking to social platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to express their frustration regarding skyrocketing prices of food and fuel.

Fuel prices are still ranging between MAD 15 and MAD 16 per liter, weighing down on the finances of citizens with average and low incomes.

In response, citizens have been sharing a series of hashtags, including some that are demanding the resignation of Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch, and his cabinet.

#Degage_Akhannouch (Akhannouch Get Out) is among the trending hashtags, along with #8dh_Essence and #7dh_gasoil — two campaigns demanding decreased prices for both diesel and gasoline.

The government reacted to the social campaigns, citing the current global context marked by increases in oil prices.

The speaker of the House of Representatives, Rachid Talbi Alami, however, sparked controversy for his recent remarks against the campaigns.

Alami, a leading member of Akhannouch’s Rally of Independents’ Party (RNI), described people who are supporting the campaign as “sick.”

“This influence and its role have no impact…. Should we show some solidarity with these people who are leading this campaign? praying God to heal them,” he said.

Alami also questioned the campaign, describing the campaign supporters’ as “obstructionists.”

He said the people supporting the campaign are “hiding behind fake accounts on social networks to sabotage the government’s efforts with their lies.”