Moroccan politician Aziz Akhannouch, leader of the National Rally of Independents party, has hinted at potentially blocking the formation of a new government if his party's demands aren't met. Speaking in Essaouira and then in Medaouna, Akhannouch stated that on September 24, the reckoning will begin, and those who try to form a majority on their own will fail. This has raised concerns about a potential blockade similar to the one that occurred in 2016.

Akhannouch's comments appear to be a reference to the 2016 elections, when Abdelilah Benkirane, leader of the Justice and Development Party, failed to form a government due to his insistence on excluding the Socialist Union from the coalition. Benkirane's efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, and Akhannouch seems to be drawing parallels between the two situations. Akhannouch's own experience in negotiations and blockades has been cited as a factor that could contribute to the success of his threat.

The leader of the National Rally of Independents party emphasized that he has experience in such matters, hinting at his role in past negotiations and blockades. This has led to speculation about whether Akhannouch can successfully impose his will without the support of other parties. In 2017, a quadripartite meeting was held between the leaders of the National Rally of Independents, the Popular Movement, the Socialist Union, and the Democratic Union, resulting in a joint statement committing to work together.

The 2017 agreement demonstrated a willingness among the parties to collaborate and form a strong government. However, it remains to be seen whether Akhannouch can replicate this success and achieve his goals. The Moroccan political landscape is complex, and the outcome of the negotiations will likely depend on various factors, including the election results and the positions of other parties.

Akhannouch's comments have sparked interest and concern among Moroccan citizens and politicians, who are eagerly awaiting the election results and the subsequent negotiations. The National Rally of Independents party is a significant player in Moroccan politics, and its stance on the government formation will likely have a substantial impact on the country's future.

The election results, expected to be announced on September 23, will likely determine the course of Moroccan politics in the coming months. Akhannouch's threat to block the government formation has raised questions about the potential for another blockade and its consequences for the country. The situation will be closely watched by Moroccan citizens and international observers.

As the situation unfolds, it will be essential to monitor the positions of other parties and their leaders, as well as the reactions of Moroccan citizens. The outcome of the negotiations will likely have far-reaching implications for Morocco's governance and its relationships with various stakeholders. The country's future direction will depend on the ability of its leaders to form a stable and effective government.

Key points

  • Aziz Akhannouch threatens to block government formation if his party's demands aren't met.
  • Akhannouch's comments echo past experiences, including the 2016 blockade.
  • The election results, expected on September 23, will determine the course of Moroccan politics.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.