Benkirane clarifies Istiqlal\'s dispute and remains optimistic

Moroccan PM Abdelilah Benkirane Rabat – Lahoucin Idressi Moroccan PM Abdelilah Benkirane revealed the details of the disagreement between his party (PJD) and Istiqlal party, saying “a minor clash occurred with Istiqlal over the Ministry of Transportation and Equipment.”
Speaking before his new MPs in the parliamentary office, Wednesday, December 28, Benkirane added that he did not give a clear strict response, whether positive or negative, to Istiqlal from the beginning, explaining that Istiqlal wanted to take over this particular ministry from the start, an information which had leaked to ‘Arabstoday’ through political sources from the parliamentary majority last Monday.
In this context, Benkirane stated “we opened the discussion of heading the House of Representatives, and agreed that it should be in return of another ministry.” Concerning the negotiations, Benkirane said “we tried to please all through [the negotiations], and no disagreements occurred except over the Transportation and Equipment Ministry.”
Benkirane referred to his predecessor Abbas al-Fasi, Secretary General of Istiqlal, saying he was cordial and “very kind” to him. He further said that the negotiations took place in an atmosphere which he described as “beautiful, brotherly, friendly, and concise.”
Named PM confirmed that the majority gave Istiqlal 5 out of 6 ministerial sectors that they demanded, besides the presidency of the parliament, noting that his party does not regret such a decision, adding “we voted for the Istiqlal candidate as you have seen,” in reference to the speaker of the Moroccan House of Representatives.
Regarding the negotiations on the anticipated government, Benkirane stressed that they went well and in a fine atmosphere, reminding Justice and Development MPs, who form the largest parliamentary team in the history of the Moroccan parliament since 1975 with 107 members, saying “you are well aware that my job is to form the government, and I started contacting all relevant parties, reaching the final list which I proposed.” He then added “matters are so far going well,” thus denying what was said about existing obstacles.
As for the governmental agenda, Benkirane said that the majority is currently working on it, stressing that “meetings are held regularly and it will soon see the light.”
It is noted that semi-official political sources stated that announcement of the new government is expected to be on Thursday or Friday in Ifrane city, which Morccan King Mohammed VI plans to visit. Same sources explained that receiving the new ministers could take place in the heart of Middle Atlas Mountains, making Benkirane’s government the first to be officially sworn-in outside the Royal Palace in Rabat, following appointing Abdelilah Benkirane as Moroccan PM outside the capital in Midelt, central Morocco.