Moroccan Independence Party Rocked by Internal Corruption Allegations
Keywords: Morocco, Moroccan politics, Istiqlal Party, corruption, Riad Mezzour, Nizar Baraka, political scandal, industrial land, rent-seeking
A fresh wave of controversy has engulfed Morocco’s Istiqlal Party, with accusations of corruption and rent-seeking swirling around Industry and Trade Minister Riad Mezzour. The allegations, stemming from within the party itself, paint a picture of internal strife and potential abuse of power.
Mezzour, whose party credentials have been previously challenged by the daughter of the late trade unionist Abdelrazzaq Afilal, now finds himself facing accusations from fellow Istiqlal parliamentarians. These MPs allege Mezzour has displayed arrogance and a lack of responsiveness to their concerns. However, Mezzour, a close ally of Istiqlal Secretary General Nizar Baraka, has reportedly countered these claims with a bombshell of his own.
Leaked reports suggest Mezzour believes the MPs’ complaints are not about unanswered calls or closed office doors, but rather about their alleged pursuit of “rent-seeking” opportunities. Specifically, Mezzour claims these parliamentarians have pressured him to grant them access to industrial land for personal gain. This type of rent-seeking behavior, where individuals leverage their political influence for economic advantage, is a significant concern in many countries, hindering economic development and eroding public trust. Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perception Index ranks Morocco at 41 out of 100, highlighting the ongoing challenges the country faces in combating corruption. (Source: Transparency International CPI 2023)
An anonymous Istiqlal parliamentarian, speaking to the Moroccan daily Al Sabah, vehemently denied these allegations. The source insisted that the MPs’ frustration with Mezzour stems from his perceived aloofness and unresponsiveness to their constituents’ needs, not from a desire for personal enrichment. The parliamentarian further argued that Mezzour lacks the authority to allocate industrial land, which falls under the jurisdiction of regional investment centers and is subject to legal procedures and regulations. This raises questions about the veracity of Mezzour’s claims and the potential motivations behind them.
The anonymous source also expressed concern about the potential fallout from these accusations, stating that if proven true, they could severely damage the party’s credibility and unity. This internal conflict comes at a sensitive time for the Istiqlal Party, which is part of the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch. Such public disagreements can weaken the government’s stability and effectiveness, potentially impacting its ability to address pressing issues facing the country, such as unemployment, which stood at 12.9% in the first quarter of 2022. (Source: High Commission for Planning, Morocco)
The parliamentarian quoted in Al Sabah expressed disappointment in Mezzour, suggesting that the minister, who owes his position to the votes of these same MPs, has seemingly forgotten his roots and turned against those who supported him. This sentiment reflects the personal dimension of this political conflict and the potential for lasting damage to relationships within the party.
The lack of a public denial from Mezzour further fuels speculation and adds to the tension. As this internal feud escalates, it remains to be seen how the Istiqlal Party will navigate this crisis and whether these allegations will lead to a formal investigation. The outcome of this situation could have significant implications for the party’s future and the broader political landscape in Morocco.
