The motion of censure submitted by opposition groups in Morocco’s House of Representatives to topple Aziz Akhannouch’s government raises deep questions about the purpose of such an initiative, in light of a cohesive parliamentary majority that appears confident in its strength. While the majority calls it “politically aimless,” the motion exposes the fragility of coordination within the opposition. Are we witnessing yet another failed attempt to revive parliamentary oversight, or is this an early sign of internal political strain?
1. The Majority: “We don’t fear debate, but it’s pointless”
General context: The government relies on a solid coalition of three parties (RNI, PAM, Istiqlal), holding 255 out of 395 seats. This numerical reality makes toppling the government through a motion of censure practically impossible.
Statements from the majority reflect a clear position:
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🗣 Mohamed Chouki (RNI): “The opposition is only united by the moment… The government will emerge victorious from any test.”
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🗣 Ahmed Touizi (PAM): “It is politically naive to expect us to support the fall of a government we see as successful.”
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🗣 Allal El Amraoui (PI): “Parliamentary tradition is clear: we do not support initiatives that undermine government stability.”
The key question: If the balance of power is clear and the majority is confident, what is the purpose of submitting the motion? Is it a media stunt? Or an attempt to stir stagnant waters even if the result is predetermined?
2. The Opposition: Internal Division and Lack of Strategy
Inside perspective:
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Composed of ideologically diverse parties (PJD, PPS, USFP).
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Major coordination difficulties.
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Failure to gather the required 148 signatures.
Underlying causes:
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❗️ Ideological differences between Islamists, leftists, and liberals.
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❗️ Local electoral considerations, making parties cautious of short-term alliances.
Core question: Can the opposition move beyond reactive politics to become a credible political alternative? Or will it remain trapped in symbolic gestures within closed institutional frameworks?
3. Winners and Losers in This Round
Majority’s gains:
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Appears united and strong before public opinion.
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Opportunity to defend government achievements.
Potential gains for the opposition:
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Raise public debate on government policies (inflation, unemployment, health…).
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Test the cohesion of the majority and identify possible dissent.
Strategic question: Can the opposition turn this initiative into a platform for national debate on public policy? Or will the debate become an empty political show?
4. Constitutional and Political Reading: Oversight Between Text and Practice
The 2011 Constitution expanded Parliament’s powers and enshrined oversight tools like the motion of censure. Yet, the real power dynamic remains unchanged: numerical and political majority prevails.
Previous attempts:
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All motions of censure have failed since 1998.
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Mostly used as symbolic pressure tools, not effective political weapons.
Open constitutional question: Does the limited use of censure reflect opposition weakness? Or a political system that offers tools but limits their practical application?
5. Conclusion: After the Motion… Will Anything Change?
Possible scenarios:
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Failure to gather signatures: confirms opposition fragility and blocks similar initiatives before elections.
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Motion presented and debated: a moment for public statements, without political consequences.
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Majority fractures? Highly unlikely in the current context, despite pressures.
Main political takeaway: The motion is more than a parliamentary document; it is a mirror reflecting the opposition’s internal crisis and showing how the government benefits more from its opponents’ fragmentation than from its own policies.
Open questions:
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Does the opposition’s failure to unify reflect a crisis in political parties, or is it the result of a system that controls outcomes?
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How can we reconcile governmental stability with effective parliamentary oversight?
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What does the Moroccan opposition need to evolve from mere dissent to real influence?
