Moroccan Council Members Resign in Protest of Authoritarian Leadership
Termilat, Morocco – In a dramatic display of no confidence, 16 members of the Termilat communal council in the Ouarzazate region have submitted their resignations. The mass exodus comes amidst accusations of autocratic leadership leveled against the council president, Youssef Cheri, a parliamentarian representing the National Rally of Independents (RNI) party.
The disgruntled council members cited several reasons for their departure, all pointing to a pattern of exclusionary and dictatorial practices by Cheri. They allege that he has consistently sidelined their input, disregarded council decisions, and failed to implement recommendations from council committees.
This act of protest is not the first instance of dissent against Cheri’s leadership. Just four months prior, 20 council members signed a petition demanding his resignation as council president. This petition, invoking Article 70 of the Moroccan Organic Law 113.14, highlights the growing dissatisfaction with Cheri’s leadership style.
The council members’ resignations underscore a broader debate in Morocco and beyond about the importance of inclusive governance at all levels. While the long-term impact of this event remains to be seen, it serves as a powerful reminder that effective leadership requires collaboration, transparency, and respect for diverse voices.
