Benkirane gains support from minor parties

The secretary General of the Party of Progress and Socialism, Nabil Benabdallah, and ally of prime minister Benkirane, described the relations between parties as brotherly, an opinion shared by Amhend al-Enser, Secretary General of the Popular Movement. According to ‘Arabstoday’ sources, Secretary-Generals participating in the government could be secretaries of state; meaning ministers without portfolios having advisory roles as opposed to executive. Five members of parliament who won a seat through the Novemeber 25 elections announced the formation of an independent parliamentary group, called “The Future”, supporting the government of Abdililah Benkirane of the  Justice and Development Party (PJD). The group explained in a report sent to ‘Arabstoday’, that they based their decision on their firm belief in the significance of the current phase, which the Moroccan kingdom is going through, following the approval of the new constitution. In addition to “The consequences of the legislative elections of Nov. 25, 2011, and the popular will it has demonstrated to change and reform institutions and to create sustainable development”, as well as supporting “The will to reform and change the conduct of public affairs.” According to the same report, the group includes Miloud Chaabi and Mohsin Chaabi, from the Environment and Development Party, Ibrahim Taconet from the Labor Party, al-Ghezi Aqtiyo from the United Democratic Party, and Alyazid Taghi from the Party of Liberty and Social Justice, whereas Miloud Chaabi was the elected spokesman for the group. It is noted that Benkirane has previously met the secretary generals of the parties in centrist parties within the framework of discussions carried out with various parties.   The coalition’s report stated that the secretary generals of the Democratic and Socialist Movement (Abdul Samad Arshan), the Democratic Front (Naguib el-Wizani), and Innovation and Equity (Shakir Ashbehar). Confirmed their support for the government, which stems from their “principles and patriotic jealousy, and the realization of the importance of the current phase which our country is going through, as well as in response to the aspirations of the Moroccan people, who expressed their will through polling ballots” The report added that the appointed premier expressed his “complete willingness to cooperate with the coalition” for the best interest of the country, in addition to expressing his pride in this support which has “political and symbolic” dimensions, in view of the current circumstances. It is worth mentioning that the four parties mentioned above won 9 seats, in addition to five seats that include the “Future” group, resulting in 14 MPs who support Benkirane’s government, not to mention the 240 Parliament members belonging to PJD and supporting parties, resulting in a total amount of 254 MPs supporting Benkirane, which is higher than the average of the majority by 65.