13-05-2025
Akhannouch's Deputy Sparks Uproar: ‘Leave Morocco' Comment Ignites Fury
Doha – A fiery statement by Zahra El Manchoudi, Deputy Mayor of Agadir and close ally of Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, has erupted into a political firestorm across the coastal city and throughout Moroccan social media.
El Manchoudi, who serves as the ninth deputy to Akhannouch in his capacity as Agadir's Mayor and oversees cultural affairs for the council, delivered the inflammatory remarks during the May municipal council session while defending the administration's record.
'Those who like what we're doing, that's good. Those who don't like what we're doing can vacate Agadir and go to another city, or we can collect money for them to go somewhere else,' El Manchoudi declared, her words streaming live on the municipality's official Facebook page.
The statement came as she praised Akhannouch's leadership and lashed out at critics of the National Rally of Independents (RNI)-led council. Her comments immediately went viral, triggering a tsunami of outrage from residents, activists, and opposition politicians.
Civil society figures swiftly condemned the remarks. Some labeled her comments 'extremely dangerous' and particularly inappropriate given growing dissatisfaction with the council's handling of city affairs and ongoing infrastructure problems.
Several critics demanded her immediate resignation, insisting any forthcoming apology would prove inadequate given the 'provocative' language she employed toward both constituents who voted for her and those who didn't.
Community leaders expressed shock at the deputy's rhetoric, saying she should focus on revitalizing neighborhood centers that have lost their educational and developmental roles instead of making reckless statements with negative societal impact.
Facing intense backlash, El Manchoudi posted a formal apology on her Facebook page the following day, attempting to contain the damage.
'During my speech at the Agadir municipal council session, I failed to express myself properly while responding to some voices that deliberately undervalue the important work our council is doing,' she wrote. 'I apologize to all Agadir residents for the words that came from me, which were not intended to offend or condescend to them.'
She stressed her deep connection to the city. 'The beloved people of Agadir know me well and understand my love and appreciation for my city and its residents. I have always been dedicated to serving them even before entering politics, driven by my love for this dear city to develop it,' El Manchoudi emphasized.
She concluded: 'I renew my apology to the dear people of Agadir and to everyone who felt offended by what I said, which was not meant to be presumptuous or hurtful. I confirm that I have been and continue to work to serve the interests of the city and my beloved country with full responsibility and seriousness.'
Opposition figures step into the fray
The incident has provided ammunition to opposition forces. Justice and Development Party (PJD) leaders and council members called the statement 'shocking and provocative,' stressing that such comments are 'unbecoming of an elected official in a city historically known for its traditions of coexistence and mutual respect.'
Opposition figures further dismissed Akhannouch as the 'absent president,' claiming that he 'is only seen in ceremonial photos devoid of political and administrative meaning.' They insisted the controversy reflects deeper issues within the council's governance structure.
'This statement is not an isolated case but comes in the context of repeated discourse by some members of the governing bureau, a discourse saturated with gratuitous praise and built on denying the efforts of previous councils,' one opposition council member told local media.
The controversy occurs amid growing tensions between the municipal council and various civil society components and political opposition, who criticize what they describe as 'weak interaction with citizens' complaints' and 'centralization of decisions in the hands of a narrow group of elected officials.'
Meanwhile, council supporters defend El Manchoudi, arguing her comments came in an emotional context responding to 'systematic campaigns' aimed at undermining the council's work, which they say has initiated major urban infrastructure rehabilitation projects in recent years.
Many critics pointed out that achievements cited by the council were largely the result of the royal program 'Agadir Urban Development Plan 2020-2024,' signed before the King on February 4, 2020, during the previous administration led by the PJD.
The incident has reignited debate about responsible political discourse that respects citizens' intelligence and their right to question and criticize, viewing elected officials not as privileged but as entrusted with responsibilities requiring listening, openness, and humility.
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