“The real livestock dealer is the one selling rotten cheese to Moroccans”: Political debate ignites between RNI and PAM

Conflict and finger-pointing among the majority’s pillars

The political scene has recently witnessed a notable escalation in rhetoric between leaders of the National Rally of Independents (RNI) and the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM). The debate took a personal turn following a fiery media appearance by Lahcen Saadi, a member of the Political Bureau of the “Dove” party.

Accusations of “corruption” and electoral score-settling

During a rally in Essaouira, Saadi leveled sharp criticism at Abderrahim Bentadda, regional secretary of the PAM in the Casablanca region, labeling him as “the big livestock dealer” (Fراقشي). Saadi did not stop there, following up with a direct accusation related to “selling rotten cheese to Moroccans,” an explicit reference to a legal case involving Bentadda, who had previously been subject to precautionary measures, including the withdrawal of his passport and a travel ban, before his party membership was temporarily frozen.

Saadi aims his sights at Hicham El Mhajri

Saadi’s attacks extended to other figures within the PAM, specifically targeting Hicham El Mhajri, whom he described as “the circus owner,” an allusion to past cases following him in the city of El Jadida. These statements come as a direct response to the attack launched previously by PAM members against the RNI, accusing them of “supporting illegal livestock dealers” through the subsidy policy for importing sheep.

Future of the government coalition at stake

This verbal sparring reflects the depth of tension between the components of the majority, at a time when parties are under pressure preparing for legislative elections. While Saadi insists that the accusations are based on legal facts, observers believe that this cold war is reshuffling the deck and revealing the fragility of political alliances as national elections approach.