Latest news with #AbdelilahBenkirane
Ya Biladi
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
PJD withdraws controversial proposal to ban dual nationals from Moroccan government roles
The PJD parliamentary group has decided to withdraw its proposed law aimed at banning dual nationals from holding ministerial positions. The announcement came on Monday, May 19, just before Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch was scheduled to respond to questions from both majority and opposition deputies about the state of education in Morocco. In April 2023, the Islamist party had introduced an amendment to Organic Law No. 065-13, which regulates the organization and functioning of the government and the status of its members. This law was originally adopted during Abdelilah Benkirane's administration. The PJD's proposal was reviewed on May 2 by the Justice, Legislation and Human Rights Commission in the House of Representatives. During the presentation, PJD deputy Abdessamad Haiker asserted that «members of the government must hold exclusively Moroccan nationality. Moroccans deserve a fully Moroccan government, and those who do not meet this condition should not be part of it». This initiative to exclude dual nationals from ministerial roles sparked criticism from Omar El Mourabet, a former national council member residing in France. He condemned the move as «a serious mistake against Moroccans around the world, based on trivial pretexts, notably targeting some ministers of the current majority who hold foreign nationalities», in a statement on social media.
Morocco World
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Benkirane Provokes Fury After Branding ‘Taza Before Gaza' Advocates ‘Microbes,' ‘Donkeys'
Doha – In a controversial speech delivered at a Labor Day event organized by the National Labor Union in Morocco, Justice and Development Party (PJD) Secretary-General Abdelilah Benkirane ignited widespread indignation by labeling Moroccans who prioritize domestic issues over the Palestinian cause as 'microbes' and 'donkeys.' During his inflammatory address on Thursday, May 1, Benkirane targeted supporters of the slogan 'Taza before Gaza'—an expression used by Moroccans who believe national concerns should take precedence over regional conflicts. Taza, a Moroccan city, symbolizes domestic priorities in this context. 'Now there are 'microbes'—yes, I found this name appropriate—they are 'microbes' in 'politics,' 'media,' or in some 'official and semi-official bodies,' going around saying 'we are Moroccans, Palestine is not our business,'' Benkirane declared during the rally. He continued his attack with even harsher language: 'You donkey of the end times, haven't you read history about what happened in Andalusia, where one emirate would say 'not my business' about what was happening in another emirate, until all emirates were eliminated,' adding, 'Even donkeys would be angry if we compared them to you.' The former Prime Minister, who was recently re-elected to lead the Islamist party, insisted that the Palestinian cause holds the same importance as Morocco's southern provinces issue, stating, 'If we all need to sacrifice for it, we will sacrifice.' He went further by calling for Moroccans to be allowed to jihad (fight) in Palestine, leading attendees in chanting, 'Oh state, oh state… what are you doing to us… send us to Palestine to fight the Zionists,' a slogan borrowed from football club fan groups that Benkirane himself described as 'chants from Raja and Wydad factions.' The speech triggered immediate backlash across social media platforms. Within hours, the hashtag '#Taza_before_Gaza' topped trending topics on X in Morocco, accompanied by scathing comments condemning Benkirane's remarks. One X user wrote, 'Has hatred driven Benkirane to insult Moroccans because they put their country first? Those who raise the slogan #Taza_before_Gaza aren't lacking patriotism but are fully aware… while those who respond with 'microbes' and 'donkeys' deserve treatment for their lost leadership complex. The people's voice should not be insulted… and whoever insults it must be held accountable.' Read also: Hamas Notably Absent from PJD Congress Despite Initial Invitation Another commented, 'Of course, because his electoral credit is empty of any program except Palestine… therefore, any Moroccan who cares about Morocco's affairs first doesn't represent the target group of this party… he also tries to demean Moroccans to shake their self-confidence, because self-esteem prevents Moroccans from submitting to foreign agendas.' Amazigh activist Amina Ben Cheikh Oukdourt sharply criticized the former government head in an article widely circulated across news outlets. She described his behavior as 'unbecoming of a man who was once prime minister' and characterized his speech as 'dangerous, exclusionary, hate-filled, anti-homeland, dictatorial and divisive.' Responding to Benkirane's 'donkey' insult, Ben Cheikh pointed out that in Amazigh popular culture, the donkey symbolizes patience, diligence, and hard work—qualities she suggested were lacking in 'some politicians who have lost their way and their ability to persuade except through shouting and insults, like Benkirane himself.' 'My message to what remains of Benkirane's mind: We Moroccans, whether you like it or not, are free citizens with the ability to think, make decisions, and choose. We are not tools in your exclusionary discourse game. We have the right to say 'Taza before Gaza,' as His Majesty the King said before us, meaning 'Morocco first,'' Ben Cheikh wrote. As Morocco approaches its next electoral cycle, critics view Benkirane's inflammatory rhetoric as an attempt to mobilize his base by exploiting the Palestinian cause, rather than addressing substantial domestic issues that might win voter support. Tags: Abdelilah BenkiraneGazaJustice and Development partyPJD
Ya Biladi
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Morocco's PJD to host Hamas delegation at upcoming congress
The Justice and Development Party (PJD) is set to hold its 9th congress on April 26 and 27. According to the Islamist party's website, members of the Palestinian Hamas movement will be present during the opening session. Their presence has been fully endorsed by the PJD's Secretary-General. «It is a great honor for us», declared Abdelilah Benkirane during a meeting of the PJD's General Secretariat held on Saturday. «Those who called for Hamas not to be invited to our congress should be taken to court, as His Majesty the King has affirmed that the Palestinian cause is as important as our national cause (...). Our indignation for Palestine is as strong as our commitment to the territorial integrity of our country». Abdelilah Benkirane also emphasized that «Hamas, through its struggle and the sacrifice of its martyred leaders, as well as thousands of residents from Gaza, the West Bank, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, and elsewhere, has changed the course of the Palestinian cause». The announcement of Hamas representatives attending the PJD congress has sparked criticism in some Moroccan circles—particularly as the Islamist organization did not publicly thank the kingdom for the humanitarian aid sent to Gaza following the Israeli offensive, as reported by Yabiladi. While Hamas will attend the congress, the Head of Government and president of the National Rally of Independents (RNI), Aziz Akhannouch, will not. This decision was also made by Abdelilah Benkirane.
