Broken Promises: Benkirane Accuses Akhannouch of Betraying Morocco’s Widows
In a scathing critique, former Moroccan Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane has accused the current government, led by Aziz Akhannouch, of abandoning the country’s most vulnerable citizens. Speaking at a campaign event for the upcoming Rabat by-election, Benkirane, who serves as the Secretary General of the Justice and Development Party (PJD), didn’t mince words. He directly accused Akhannouch of “stealing” from widows by slashing social support programs.
Benkirane highlighted the stark contrast between the support widows received during his tenure as Prime Minister (2011-2017) and the current reality. He argued that the financial assistance provided to widows has been drastically reduced under Akhannouch’s leadership, leaving many struggling to make ends meet.
The former Prime Minister went on to criticize the Akhannouch government’s new social support index, a system designed to assess and allocate aid. Benkirane labeled it a “diabolical index,” claiming it unfairly penalizes widows and contradicts fundamental Islamic principles of social responsibility and compassion.
Addressing Akhannouch directly, Benkirane declared, “You have violated principles and religion, and responsibility has blinded you.” He accused the current Prime Minister of prioritizing power over the well-being of Morocco’s most vulnerable citizens.
Benkirane further emphasized the personal nature of his criticism, reminding Akhannouch that it was he who had advocated for his return from France to serve as a minister. “We have no problem with you being Prime Minister,” Benkirane stated, “but it should be for good, not for evil.”
This public condemnation of Akhannouch’s policies, particularly those impacting widows, highlights the growing discontent with the current government. It remains to be seen how Akhannouch will respond to these accusations and whether this will impact the upcoming elections.
