Abdel-Ilah Benkirane, Secretary-General of the Justice and Development Party (PJD), demanded Thursday that the Moroccan government halt support for a seawater desalination project in Casablanca awarded to a company led by Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch, during a press conference in Rabat.
Benkirane called for Akhannouch to step down, saying, “Resign, Mr. Akhannouch. Leave your position and allow Morocco to breathe during the final two years of your mandate.”
During the event, which focused on conflicts of interest, Benkirane criticized what he called an “incomprehensible” situation for the average Moroccan. “It is quite challenging for a Moroccan to comprehend the situation,” he said.
Benkirane also condemned the lack of transparency in public management under the current majority. He pointed out that the controversy over conflicts of interest was unprecedented under the current government, despite Akhannouch not being the first business leader to serve as head of government. “Idriss Jettou and Karim Lamrani, both businessmen, also served as prime ministers, and such issues never arose during their terms,” he said.
Benkirane served as head of government from 2012 to 2017, facing criticism for failing to implement reforms or address Morocco’s socio-economic challenges.
While his government pursued subsidy reforms to reduce the fiscal deficit, these measures disproportionately impacted low-income Moroccans, leading to higher living costs and widespread discontent. His handling of labor rights and public sector wage issues also drew sharp criticism, with many accusing him of prioritizing austerity over social welfare.
Despite inheriting a promising political climate following the 2011 constitutional reforms, Benkirane failed to capitalize on the momentum to strengthen democratic institutions or reduce systemic inequalities. Critics argued his government focused more on maintaining political alliances than on tackling systemic corruption or empowering Morocco’s underprivileged regions.