Recent remarks by Mehdi Bensaid, Morocco’s Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication and a leading member of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), have sparked discussions about the relationship between his party and the National Rally of Independents (RNI), the primary partner in the Moroccan government. Bensaid made these comments during an event organized by the “Fkih Ttouani Foundation” on January 23 in Salé, where he acknowledged potential future tensions between the two parties.
Commitment to the Government Alliance
Bensaid emphasized that PAM is in a “strong organizational position,” having held a series of internal meetings to strengthen its base. However, he delivered a firm message: “When we sign a document, like the majority pact, we honor it. We are people who stand by our word, and anyone who challenges us will find us ready to respond.”
He underlined the importance of prioritizing citizens’ needs, stressing that “government solidarity must be demonstrated in the field, not just in rhetoric.” Bensaid reiterated PAM’s commitment to fulfilling the promises made in the government pact, which obligates them to address the aspirations of Moroccans.
Warning Against Political Maneuvering
When asked about the impact of disagreements between PAM and RNI on government performance, Bensaid warned against underestimating these differences. He noted, “Political posturing cannot be ruled out, but such posturing must not come at the expense of the public interest.”
The minister emphasized the need to address pressing social challenges and avoid political distractions, reiterating that PAM is committed to offering practical solutions to Morocco’s social issues and implementing them effectively.
Balancing Differences and Unity
While Bensaid acknowledged the existence of tensions, he stressed the importance of maintaining government cohesion, noting that both parties recognize the necessity of unity to navigate Morocco’s growing social and economic challenges.
The Road Ahead
These comments raise questions about the resilience of the governing coalition, particularly as Morocco faces mounting socioeconomic pressures. However, both PAM and RNI appear to understand the critical importance of maintaining stability to avoid disruptions that could impact government performance and public confidence.
The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining whether the alliance can withstand these internal differences and continue to function effectively, or if these tensions will escalate into a broader challenge for Morocco’s political landscape.
