Power Struggle Stalls Formation of New Istiqlal Party Cabinets in Morocco
A tense standoff has emerged within Morocco’s Istiqlal Party, delaying the formation of new ministerial cabinets. Secretary General Nizar Baraka has imposed strict conditions on ministerial appointments, creating friction between party leadership and newly appointed officials.
Baraka insists that all cabinet members, except for the chief of staff, be selected from within the party’s corresponding sectors. This move, ostensibly aimed at strengthening party cohesion and control, has been met with resistance, particularly from some newly appointed junior ministers (Secretaries of State). According to sources cited by the Moroccan daily Al Sabah, these stipulations primarily affect the Secretaries of State, while existing ministerial cabinets remain largely untouched. This targeted approach suggests a strategic focus on consolidating influence within specific areas of government.
This power struggle highlights the inherent tension between a party’s desire for centralized control and the need for individual ministers to assemble teams best suited to their specific portfolios. One junior minister has reportedly expressed reservations about inheriting her predecessor’s staff, preferring to build a team aligned with her own vision and priorities. This reluctance underscores the potential impact of these internal disputes on the effectiveness and efficiency of the government. Similar internal party dynamics have played out in other political contexts globally, often leading to periods of instability and reduced governmental effectiveness. [Link to a relevant article about party politics and cabinet formation, e.g., a scholarly article or a news report about a similar situation in another country].
The situation within the Istiqlal Party mirrors broader trends in Moroccan politics, where navigating the balance between party loyalty and individual ministerial autonomy remains a persistent challenge. The outcome of this internal struggle could have significant implications for the party’s performance and its ability to deliver on its promises to the electorate. Furthermore, it raises questions about the future direction of the party under Baraka’s leadership and the potential for further internal divisions. [Link to a resource about Moroccan politics, e.g., a think tank report or a news website specializing in Moroccan affairs].
Keywords: Morocco, Istiqlal Party, Nizar Baraka, cabinet appointments, political infighting, government formation, ministerial cabinets, Secretaries of State, Moroccan politics, power struggle.
