Benkirane attacks Akhannouch’s government, blaming it for youth migration to Ceuta and the cost-of-living crisis

Benkirane points his heavy artillery at the Akhannouch government

In a new political statement that has sparked significant debate, Abdelilah Benkirane, former Head of Government and Secretary-General of the Justice and Development Party (PJD), has leveled sharp criticism at the government of Aziz Akhannouch. Benkirane held the current executive branch largely politically and morally responsible for the growing sense of hopelessness among Moroccan youth, which was clearly manifested in recent waves of migration toward the occupied city of Ceuta.

During an analytical meeting, the controversial political leader emphasized that Moroccan youth today are hitting a wall of structural problems in vital sectors such as education, healthcare, and employment, alongside the burden of rising prices and ongoing debates over suspicions of conflicts of interest—factors that have combined to severely erode the confidence of future generations in the country’s future.

Recruitment exams and the ghost of nepotism

The PJD leadership also seized the opportunity to address public recruitment exams, focusing on the re-administration of a test following massive protests over its results. Benkirane argued that this measure raises major questions about the integrity of the initial procedures, stressing that common sense dictates that a contest should either be validated from the start or completely cancelled and repeated with full transparency.

In the same context, he warned of the danger posed by the growing conviction among a large segment of youth that the logic of “cronyism” (Bak Sahbi) still dictates recruitment processes, cautioning that these negative impressions severely damage the image of public institutions and drive talent to consider emigration in search of better prospects abroad.

The price crisis and the deepening trust gap

Benkirane also addressed the deteriorating economic situation, highlighting the issues of fuel and the high cost of basic commodities, noting the record rise in the price of red meat, specifically lamb. He believes these daily crises contribute directly to widening the trust gap between citizens and government management.

On a personal and partisan level, Benkirane defended the track record of his previous term, reminding the audience that his party increased its parliamentary seats from 107 to 125. He also categorically denied rumors regarding his daughter’s employment, declaring his full readiness for legal and moral accountability regarding this matter.

Sharp political attack on coalition parties

Evaluating the current government’s performance, Benkirane argued that the inability to communicate effectively and the failure to engage in dialogue with the public are the most prominent signs of the government’s weakness, which has contributed to the loss of hope among part of the youth.

The PJD leader concluded his political attack by aiming at the components of the government coalition, describing the National Rally of Independents (RNI) as the “predatory party” and the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) as the “control party,” calling on Moroccan citizens to be cautious and not to grant their votes or trust to these parties in the upcoming elections.