Political Gridlock in Meknes: Mayor Resigns After Year of Discord
Meknes, Morocco - Jawad Bahji, the mayor of Meknes, submitted his resignation last Friday, ending a year of escalating tensions and political gridlock within the city council. The resignation came at the behest of Aziz Akhannouch, leader of the National Rally of Independents (RNI) party, to which Bahji belongs.
Sources within the RNI revealed that the decision was a direct response to the ongoing internal conflicts that have plagued the council for the past year. These disagreements, they say, have severely hampered the council’s ability to govern effectively and implement vital development projects. By prioritizing the needs of the city and its residents, the party hopes to move past the impasse.
The council has been effectively paralyzed for the past year, with members refusing to approve the 2023 budget. They accused Bahji of drafting the budget unilaterally, sidelining their input, and failing to represent the diverse needs of the city. Further criticism stemmed from the mayor’s frequent absences and his decision not to reside in Meknes, raising questions about his commitment to the community.
This resignation comes at a critical juncture for Meknes. The city faces significant challenges in executing its development plans and managing daily affairs. The lack of a functioning council raises concerns about the future of the city’s administration and its ability to address the needs of its citizens.
The situation in Meknes highlights the importance of effective local governance and the need for collaboration and consensus-building in political spheres. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future leadership of the city and its ability to overcome the challenges it faces.
