Government Deliberation: A New Round Begins

Since it has become obvious that the Istiqlal Party (IP) will potentially be excluded from the coalition government, Secretary General of the National Rally of Independents Party (RNI), Aziz Akhannouch has been quoted by Moroccan journalist saying that “Benkirane presented a proposal for [the RNI] to discuss it with its partners.”

Following his meeting with Morocco’s appointed Head of Government on Wednesday morning, Akhannouch said, “It was an important meeting with Benkirane. There is an offer, which I will discuss with our partners, including the Popular Movement (MP) and the Constitutional Union Party.”

 
Regarding the nature of the offer, Akhannouch declined to reveal any details saying instead, “I will disclose it within two days.”

The meeting was part of Benkirane’s ongoing mission to form a coalition government and find a solution to resolve what has become commonly known to Moroccans as the “Government Blockage.”

The Secretariat General of the Justice and Development party issued a “vague communiqué” Tuesday without revealing anything new regarding formation pertaining to the new government. Scores of Moroccan journalists gathered in front of the headquarters of the PJD, waiting for Benkirane to formally announce whether or not the Istiqlal Party (IP) will participate in the government along with other parties.

Last Saturday, at the conclusion of the December 31st council meeting, Benkirane said that he was “waiting for the release of the official statement from the IP before announcing his final decision on the participation of this party in the coalition government.”

He also refuted the statement of Akhannouch, saying that he is “the only one who sets a deadline for the announcement of the parties that will participate in the new government, not Akhannouch,”

This declaration followed Benkirane’s latest meeting with Akhannouch on December 29th, after which Akhannouch told journalists, “Laenser and I tried to persuade Benkirane to change his opinion about including the IP in the government. Akhannouch continued, “Benkirane now has a deadline to think about whether or not to exclude the IP.”

Source:Morocco World News