In an intriguing press conference, the Secretary General of the Socialist Union of Popular Forces Party (USFP), Idriss Lachkar, transformed into a political sniper targeting government figures with sharp criticism.
His attack spared no one: Aziz Akhannouch, Abdellatif Wahbi, Nizar Baraka, and Abdelrahmane El Mnsouri were all targeted, accused of “economic failure,” “clientelism”, and “impoverishing the Moroccans”.
But what was most striking were Lachkar’s hints, which could be read as an indirect call for protest, amidst a troubling institutional silence.
This unprecedented attack opens the door to several questions: Is it just political score-settling, or is Lachkar trying to capitalize on popular anger to reposition himself? Has the opposition become incapable of influencing institutions, resorting to media escalation?
An unprecedented attack or an attempt to regain the spotlight?
Lachkar’s statements sparked widespread debate, seeming to reflect the growing tension on Morocco’s political stage with the upcoming elections looming. Was his speech a warning of the potential collapse of the government coalition? Or a preemptive positioning of his party for the next phase?
Explosive accusations… Who is stealing the bread of Moroccans?
“72 billion dirhams have disappeared”… Corruption or mismanagement?
One of the most dangerous issues raised by Lachkar was his mention of the “72 billion dirhams” he says have “disappeared” due to poor government management. He accused the government of wasting subsidy funds, pointing out that its policies benefited “speculators” and “profiteers”, while citizens suffer from inflation and the collapse of purchasing power.
Condemnation of official silence: Lachkar sharply asked, “Why aren’t the responsible parties held accountable? Why don’t we hear the Public Prosecution voice in corruption cases?” These statements bring back questions about the role of oversight institutions and their effectiveness in addressing corruption allegations and economic mismanagement.
But the most alarming part of Lachkar’s remarks was his suggestion that protest has become a legitimate option in the absence of accountability, saying, “The official complains just like an ordinary citizen.” Was he implying that the only solution for Moroccans is to take to the streets? Or was his comment simply a political critique of the government?
An indirect call for protest?
One of the most controversial points in Lachkar’s speech was when he compared himself to an ordinary citizen, acknowledging that the social situation has become so suffocating that even officials complain just like the public. Thus, the question arises: Was Lachkar indirectly referring to the legitimacy of popular protests against the government? And did he intend with these statements to be the opposing voice that rides the wave of social anger?
Bitter criticism of electoral manipulation methods
Lachkar didn’t miss the opportunity to discuss the practices of political parties, talking about “political clientelism” and “control” methods in elections, criticizing the use of Ramadan food baskets and charity work as electoral tools. He also reminded that leaders of the current majority parties were the same ones protesting this situation during Saadeddine El Othmani’s government. Does Lachkar imply that these politicians are now using the same tactics they once criticized?
Systematic fraud?
Lachkar didn’t stop at criticizing the government’s economic performance, but directly accused what he called the “dominance of majority parties,” pointing out that they exploit the territorial administration and state tools for their electoral campaigns, making competition unfair.
The World Cup as an “illusion”?
In another context, Lachkar criticized the government for focusing on the bid for the 2030 World Cup, arguing that priorities should be education and health, not investment in a sporting event from which “the same economic lobbies” will benefit.
Doubting the government’s legitimacy?
Amid his criticisms, Lachkar hinted at the issue of appointing ministers and the head of government, considering this process to remain in the hands of the monarchy according to the constitution. However, he also challenged whether opposition parties are allowed to use public media to express their views and respond to the majority. Are we witnessing the early signs of political escalation that could lead to a government reshuffle, or is it merely political bargaining aimed at redrawing the party map?
Analyzing the speech’s implications: Escalation or repositioning?
The main question remains: Was Lachkar intensifying his speech in preparation for the upcoming elections, or is he genuinely trying to lead a true opposition against the government? What is certain is that this conference has brought Lachkar back into the political spotlight, but will this escalation translate into concrete actions, or will it remain just a fleeting media speech?
The coming days will be crucial in answering these questions, especially with the rise in social tensions that could become a new pressure card in Morocco’s political landscape.
