Irked by the latest remarks made by Nabil Benabdellah, leader of the Party of Progress & Socialism (PPS) and Minister of Housing in the current coalition Governement led by Abdelilah Benkirane, the Royal Cabinet issued on Tuesday a press release urging the Minister to refrain from making baseless claims seeking to embroil a royal advisor in the election campaign, ahead of the polls of October 7.
The reaction of the Royal Cabinet comes following the statement made by the PPS Chief to a Casablanca-based weekly saying that his party “has no problem with the Authenticity and Modernity party (PAM-opposition), but with the person who is behind the party.” This person is ”the founder of the party which embodies authoritarianism,” Nabil Benabdellah said in the interview.
“It seems clear that this statement, which comes following other equally irresponsible statements of Nabil Benabdellah, is only a political diversion tool at election time”, said the Royal Cabinet in its response.
This election time requires “refraining from using concepts that undermine the country’s image and the integrity and credibility of institutions, in an attempt to win votes and voters’ sympathy”, added the Royal Cabinet.
The remarks of Mr. Benabdellah are contrary to the provisions of the Constitution and the laws governing the relationship between the monarchy institution and all national institutions and bodies, including political parties, went on the press release.
The Royal Cabinet said it issued this explanatory statement due to the dangerous nature of Benabdallah’s remarks, which were made by a Government member and targeted a Royal Advisor who has no longer any ties with politics.
The Royal Cabinet pointed out that ”HM the King’s Advisors act only within the framework of their duties following the high specific and direct instructions of HM the King”.
“It should be noted that this case concerns only the person who made those statements and has no relation with the PPS party, known for its historic role of activism and its constructive contribution to the national political and institutional process”, the statement concluded.