PAM joins Istiqlal in criticizing Akhannouch administration ahead of 2026 elections
Following the Istiqlal party, the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), another key player in the government coalition, has now criticized the Akhannouch administration's handling of certain sectors. During its meeting on Wednesday, March 12, the political bureau of the party did not hold back. The body «calls on the government to cancel the customs and tax exemptions aimed at lowering meat prices, as they have not had the desired effect».
Positioning itself as a defender of Moroccans' purchasing power, the PAM expressed concern over «the price hikes and economic difficulties faced by many social groups». It urges the government to «iboost monitoring and take action against certain speculators and corrupt professionals who continue to exploit their networks to incite crises and profit from speculative activities», the PAM said in a statement.
The party's criticism also extended to the government's action plan to boost employment by 2030, which is allocated 15 billion dirhams and was outlined in a circular from the head of government published last February. While acknowledging that «high unemployment is everyone's responsibility», the political bureau emphasized that «this new plan requires collective, responsible, and genuine commitment from all stakeholders, with a sophisticated national approach and real involvement from public authorities and elected officials». It's worth noting that the minister responsible for employment is Younes Sekkouri, a member of the PAM.
These «friendly fire» incidents within the governing coalition are becoming more frequent. On January 11 in Casablanca, Nizar Baraka, the Secretary-General of the Istiqlal party, also criticized the poor results of the Akhannouch administration.
As Morocco gears up for the 2026 legislative elections, 2025 promises to be a year of intense preparation for all parties, both in the majority and opposition, accompanied by its fair share of controversies.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Morocco World
7 hours ago
- Morocco World
Morocco Closes Livestock Markets Ahead of Eid al-Adha
Moroccan authorities have reportedly launched a nationwide campaign to close down livestock markets, preventing the sale of sacrificial animals ahead of Eid al-Adha. The move follows a decision by King Mohammed VI to cancel the traditional animal sacrifice this year due to the country's ongoing drought and economic challenges, which have led to a sharp drop in livestock numbers. According to news reports, the new directive was sent to governors and local officials across the country, urging them to enforce the ban. Authorities have concentrated the efforts in the closure of all public and seasonal livestock markets, which usually see increased activity in the weeks leading up to the holiday. Read also: Media reports have indicated that authorities across Morocco have implemented sweeping restrictions ahead of Eid. Several provinces have reportedly ordered the shutdown of all weekly sheep markets, banning gatherings related to the sale or slaughter of sacrificial animals, temporarily closing municipal slaughterhouses, and even extending the ban to the sale of animal slaughter tools in some areas. As Moroccans adjust to the absence of Eid Al Adha spirit this year, some are set to face serious economic hardship including seasonal workers, street vendors and small-scale traders who rely on this period for a significant portion of their income. King Mohammed VI had urged Moroccans earlier this year to refrain from performing the traditional animal sacrifice to alleviate the financial burden on families struggling with meat prices and to preserve the country's dwindling livestock. To uphold the religious significance of the occasion, Mohammed VI announced that he would perform the Eid sacrifice on behalf of all Moroccans. Many Moroccans have applauded this symbolic gesture, saying it echoes the tradition of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who is reported to have sacrificed two rams: one for himself and his household, and another on behalf of those among his followers who were unable to offer a sacrifice.
Ya Biladi
9 hours ago
- Ya Biladi
Morocco shuts down livestock markets days before Eid al-Adha
Authorities across Morocco have launched a nationwide crackdown, shutting down livestock markets and trading spaces used for selling animals ahead of Eid al-Adha. The move follows King Mohammed VI's decision to cancel animal sacrifices this year, in light of climate challenges and a significant decline in livestock numbers. Local governors and officials have been directed to enforce the ban. In Khénifra, the provincial governor ordered the closure of all weekly markets for sheep sales and prohibited any activities related to the sale and slaughter of sacrificial animals, including pop-up markets that typically spring up in the run-up to the holiday. In Rabat, the Ministry of Interior, working with local authorities, has shut down all seasonal markets for sacrificial animals and banned the sale of related supplies—a blow to many artisans and seasonal traders who rely on Eid for income. Authorities tighten controls ahead of Eid Similar decisions have been announced in Al Hoceima, Tangier, Kelaa des Sraghna, and Inezgane. In Inezgane, authorities have also closed the municipal slaughterhouse and banned the slaughter of sheep and goats. Meanwhile in Casablanca, reports say authorities have seized large quantities of sheep being sold in unauthorized locations, as part of a broader campaign to curb illegal sales and crack down on middlemen who typically exploit the seasonal demand to make quick profits. This year, unlike previous ones, there's been a noticeable absence of commercial activity in the days leading up to Eid, with few seasonal markets or shops selling Eid supplies, observes by Yabiladi. It's not the first time Moroccans have been asked to forgo sacrificing animals for Eid. King Hassan II made the same decision in 1963, 1981, and 1996, for similar reasons. Just a few weeks ago, the Ministry of Agriculture reported that Morocco's livestock herd has shrunk by 38% compared to 2016 levels. To address the shortage, the government has rolled out emergency measures, including scrapping import duties and VAT on imported beef, sheep, goats, camels, and other red meats.
Ya Biladi
9 hours ago
- Ya Biladi
The regional office of the HCCH for Africa to be established in Morocco
An agreement to establish the Regional Office of the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) for Africa in Morocco was signed on Monday in Rabat between the Moroccan government and the HCCH. The agreement was signed by Nasser Bourita, Morocco's Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Living Abroad, and Christophe Bernasconi, Secretary General of the HCCH. It marks a significant milestone in the cooperation between Morocco and the Hague Conference on Private International Law. This regional office will promote the HCCH's legal cooperation instruments, particularly in the areas of family law, child protection, transnational litigation, and the authentication of public documents, Bernasconi explained during a press briefing following the signing ceremony. The signing was attended by Rachid Ouadifi, Director of Civil Affairs and Legal and Judicial Professions at Morocco's Ministry of Justice, who serves as the central authority for the conventions and legal instruments under the HCCH. Morocco has been a member of the HCCH since 1993 and is a party to several of its conventions. Bernasconi commended Morocco's active commitment to implementing these instruments and highlighted the country's recognized expertise in this field. In March, Morocco was unanimously selected to host the HCCH's Africa Regional Office. The decision was made during the Council on General Affairs and Policy (CGAP) meetings held from March 4 to 7 at the Hague Academy's headquarters. The CGAP event brought together 452 delegates representing 75 HCCH member states, 44 non-member states, and around 20 intergovernmental and international non-governmental organizations—underscoring the strategic importance of Morocco's designation. Founded in 1893, the HCCH is the oldest intergovernmental organization based in The Hague. It works to unify private international law rules through the adoption of international conventions, having developed over 40 instruments to date with its 91 member states and the European Union.
