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Morocco World
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
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. Read also: Conflict of Interest? Akhannouch Faces Backlash Over Desalination Deal Tags: Agadir mayorAziz Akhannouchbacklash
Morocco World
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Morocco World
Morocco Eyes Major Export Boost to Egypt, Targets $500 Million by 2027
Rabat – Morocco is set to dramatically increase its exports to Egypt, with officials projecting a jump from MAD 755 million ($75 million) to MAD 5 billion ($500 million) within the next three years. The ambitious goal comes after a high-stakes trade mission and signals a new phase in economic ties between the two North African nations. Omar Hejira, the Secretary of State in charge of Foreign Trade, revealed the forecast during a parliamentary session on Monday. He fielded a question from the National Rally of Independents (RNI) party, which sought updates on efforts to strengthen Morocco's export presence in Egypt. The push follows a recent visit by a 40-strong Moroccan trade delegation to Cairo, where executives and exporters held over 200 meetings with Egyptian counterparts. Hejira initiated the mission himself, with Moroccan Confederation of Exporters (ASMEX) President Hassan Sentissi El Idrissi at the helm of the delegation, whose sole goal to promote the 'Made in Morocco' label. The talks led to preliminary deals, with the two sides now working to finalize agreements in key sectors. The visit builds on recent talks with Egyptian officials. In April, the Egyptian ambassador visited ASMEX headquarters, followed by a successful 'Egypt Country Zoom' event where participants learned about market opportunities and how to dip their toes into the Egyptian market. During the parliamentary talks, Hejira also pointed to the automotive industry as a standout success story. Moroccan car exports to Egypt have already soared from just 400 units to 3,000, a figure that could climb to 5,000 by year's end and reach 8,000 by 2026. Calling Morocco-Egypt trade 'a model of Arab cooperation,' Hajira stressed the countries' historical bonds and mutual economic interests. The fivefold export expansion, if achieved, would mark a major milestone in Morocco's strategy to grow its African and Arab trade networks, and solidify its role as a key economic bridge between continents. Tags: economyMorocco exportsMorocco tradeMorocco-Egypttradetrade ties
Morocco World
21-03-2025
- Morocco World
Moroccans Demand Justice for Victims in Kiko School Rape Scandal
Rabat – Authorities in the Kiko commune near Fez have launched an extensive investigation following reports of sexual abuse involving several schoolgirls. The case has shocked the community and Moroccans across the country are demanding justice for the victims. The case reportedly began when one of the victims attempted suicide after being threatened with the release of a video recorded by a friend. According to converging reports, the abuse occurred in two different schools in the Kiko area. The investigation revealed that a network of perpetrators, including individuals identified as a bouncer, a farmer, and a hairdresser, were responsible for exploiting the underage girls. The incident came to light after the victim's family filed a complaint following the suicide attempt and threats of publishing a compromising video. Authorities have since arrested several suspects and are interrogating them, with more arrests expected as investigations continue. Human rights groups have called for immediate legal action and psychological support for the victims. In addition, several Moroccans took to social media to express their shock over the incident, as well as call for urgent measures to protect and support the victims and their families. Others have called for stricter penalties for the perpetrators to prevent the recurrence of such crimes. Many have pointed to the lenient sentences handed down in similar cases, such as the Tiflet rape case , in which an 11-year-old girl was gang-raped by three men, one of whom impregnated her. Despite the gravity of the crime, the perpetrators were sentenced to only two years each. In addition, Member of Parliament Mohamed Chouki from the National Rally of Independents submitted a written question to Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration, and Family, Naima Ben Yahia, regarding the case. Chouki warned that the abuse has left a deep psychological impact on the community and urged the ministry to ensure that the affected schoolgirls receive prompt legal and psychological assistance.
Morocco World
30-01-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Morocco's Ruling Majority Reviews Key Political, Economic, and Social Priorities
Rabat \u2013 The leadership of Morocco's ruling majority convened for their routine meeting on January 29, presided over by <\> Aziz Akhannouch<\><\> , head of the National Rally of Independents (RNI).\u00a0<\><\> Prominent members of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) and the Istiqlal Party also took part in the discussions.<\><\> The gathering, with Mustapha Baitas and Abdeljabbar Rachidi in attendance, addressed a wide array of topics, related to domestic political, economic, and social issues to international matters impacting Morocco.<\><\> The government majority voiced strong backing for the recent <\> ceasefire in Gaza<\><\> and urged the international community to help advance towards a lasting political solution between the Palestinian Authority and Israel.\u00a0<\><\> The leadership emphasized the significance of maintaining peace and stability in the region while ensuring the rights of the Palestinian people.\u00a0<\><\>\>\> \>\> \>\> \> \>\> \>\> \>\> \>\> \> Click allow to get notifications on every article we post.
