Moroccan Parliament Calls for Answers After Unrest in Fnideq
Rabat, Morocco - Opposition parties in the Moroccan Parliament have summoned Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch to address the government’s response to recent unrest in the northern city of Fnideq.
The move, spearheaded by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rachid Talbi Alami, comes amidst growing criticism of the government’s handling of the situation. Opposition leaders argue that the government has been slow to address the root causes of the unrest, which include high unemployment, poverty, and a lack of economic opportunities.
Fnideq, located near the border with the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, has long been a flashpoint for social and economic tensions. The city’s economy is heavily reliant on cross-border trade, which has been severely impacted by the closure of the border with Ceuta since 2020. This closure, a result of both the COVID-19 pandemic and political tensions between Morocco and Spain, has exacerbated existing economic hardship in the region.
The recent unrest, characterized by protests and clashes with security forces, has brought the plight of Fnideq’s residents into sharp focus. Opposition figures have accused the government of neglecting the region and failing to provide adequate support to those struggling economically.
The summoning of Prime Minister Akhannouch to Parliament is a significant development, reflecting the growing pressure on the government to address the situation in Fnideq. It remains to be seen what concrete measures the government will announce to address the underlying issues fueling the unrest.
