Lashgar: “We No Longer Distinguish Between the Roles of Majority and Opposition
Blurred Lines: When Moroccan Political Parties Can’t Tell Left From Right
In a recent televised interview, Idris لشكر, Secretary General of the Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP), expressed his bewilderment at the increasingly blurred lines between Morocco’s ruling coalition and the opposition. This confusion, he argues, stems from a lack of clear ideological distinction and a tendency for coalition members to criticize the very policies they implement.
Lشكر pointed to the recent parliamentary session, where King Mohammed VI’s address focused solely on the Western Sahara issue. While acknowledging the importance of this national cause, لشكر found the singular focus unusual, particularly given the King’s emphasis on the shift from “management” to “change” in the Sahara strategy. This shift, evidenced by growing international support for Morocco’s autonomy plan, signals a new phase in the conflict’s resolution.
However, لشكر argued that this focus on the Sahara overshadowed crucial domestic issues, particularly the national budget. He criticized the rushed timeline for its approval, suggesting it prioritized expediency over thorough deliberation.
Lشكر’s most pointed criticism targeted the muddled dynamic between the ruling coalition and the opposition. He highlighted the irony of coalition parties publicly criticizing government actions, drawing parallels to a specific party that spends the week governing and the weekend criticizing its own performance. This behavior, he argued, creates confusion about the roles of both the government and the opposition.
Lشكر contrasted this with the historical example of Abderrahman Youssoufi’s government, a seven-party coalition that achieved significant legislative progress despite its diverse makeup. Today, he lamented, the three-party coalition appears to lack cohesion, as evidenced by internal conflicts within local councils that have benefited opposition parties like the Istiqlal Party (PI).
When questioned about the USFP’s relationship with the National Rally of Independents (RNI), the leading party in the coalition, لشكر maintained that cordial relations exist. However, he emphasized that political decisions often necessitate different stances. He cited a recent incident in Agadir’s city council where a USFP member criticized the RNI, highlighting the USFP’s commitment to voicing concerns even within a coalition framework.
Lشكر’s observations raise critical questions about the state of Moroccan politics. The lack of clear ideological boundaries and the tendency for self-criticism within the ruling coalition risk undermining public trust and hindering effective governance. As Morocco navigates complex domestic and international challenges, a clear and unified political front is more crucial than ever.
