On September 19, 2026, Idris Lashkar, the first secretary of the Socialist Union of Popular Forces, made an unplanned stop in Fes during a trip from Berkane to Meknes. The stop turned into a large rally in support of Union candidates in the scientific capital. Lashkar highlighted the city's significance, describing it as a "stronghold of struggle," and directly criticized the three parties in the government coalition.
During the rally, Lashkar accused the coalition parties of being responsible for the country's current situation and called on voters to hold them accountable at the polls. He argued that the Union's proposals, previously rejected by the coalition parties in parliament, have now been incorporated into their electoral programs. Lashkar questioned the purpose of participating in the elections if other parties were simply adopting the Union's long-standing proposals.
Lashkar praised the large turnout at Union rallies, including the unexpected gathering in Fes, as a clear indication of citizens' support for Union candidates despite attempts at misinformation. He criticized the coalition parties' campaign tactics, suggesting they behaved as if voters had no political memory. Lashkar called for a review of these parties' past positions on financial laws and proposals.
The first secretary of the Socialist Union also addressed the issue of public financing, criticizing its allocation to sectors and projects that do not necessarily face difficulties accessing resources. He contrasted this with the challenges faced by young people, project owners, and small businesses in securing financing. Lashkar proposed establishing a committee to study cases where banks reject financing requests.
Lashkar suggested that the government could intervene to compensate for bank financing in cases that merit support, potentially covering up to 80 or 90 percent of the financing for young project owners. This proposal aims to facilitate access to financing for those who need it most. The rally in Fes demonstrates the continued relevance of the Union's message and its connection with the electorate.
The event in Fes is part of a broader campaign by the Socialist Union of Popular Forces. Lashkar's comments reflect a broader critique of the current government's performance and the Union's commitment to holding them accountable. The proposed solutions, such as the committee for financing cases and increased government support, are part of the Union's effort to present a viable alternative.
As the electoral campaign continues, the positions of various political parties, including the Socialist Union, will be closely watched by the Moroccan public. The engagement in Fes and Lashkar's direct address to the citizens underscore the dynamic nature of Moroccan politics and the ongoing debate over the country's future direction.
Key points
- Moroccan politician Idris Lashkar emphasized strong support for Union candidates in a rally in Fes.
- Lashkar criticized the government's handling of various issues and called for accountability.
- He proposed solutions to facilitate access to financing for young project owners and small businesses.
