In a development that sparked intense debate in political and media circles, the president of the Moroccan House of Representatives, Rachid Talbi El Alami, referred MP Riam Chabat to the ethics committee following her sharp criticism of the head of government, Aziz Akhannouch, during the monthly question session. This decision came after Chabat displayed a banner showing the dire state of public transport in Fes, a city set to host major sporting events like the Africa Cup and the 2030 World Cup.
Is This Decision Disciplinary or Political?
In her first comment on the decision, Chabat stated, “I am proud of this ‘disciplinary measure’ because it confirms that I am doing my job by defending the people of Fes.” She added that she had not hesitated to criticize the government regarding the urban transport crisis in the city, which she described as “catastrophic.”
What Is the Background of the Crisis?
Chabat recalled that she had previously submitted a written question to the Minister of the Interior, Abdelouafi Laftit, regarding the measures taken to resolve the transport crisis in Fes. The minister responded that local authorities and elected institutions, with the support of the Ministry of the Interior, had taken the necessary steps to restructure the sector. However, Chabat emphasized that the mayor of Fes, a member of the National Rally of Independents (the majority party), had stated that the municipality had exhausted all available means to address the issue and that government intervention was needed.
Is There Political Bias in This Decision?
Chabat criticized what she called the “control” exercised by the National Rally of Independents, noting that many MPs, including those from the same party, had previously raised the issue of urban transport without being referred to the ethics committee. She wondered, “Why am I being targeted in this way?”
Legitimate Questions:
- Was the decision to refer her to the ethics committee fair or politically motivated?
- Why were similar measures not taken against MPs from the majority who discussed similar issues?
- What message does this decision send to parliamentarians who criticize the government’s performance?
Mixed Reactions:
The decision elicited mixed reactions. On one hand, some constitutional law experts viewed it as a “political maneuver” aimed at silencing critical voices within Parliament. On the other hand, many citizens expressed their support for Chabat, seeing her as “the voice of all Fassis frustrated by the marginalization of their city.”
The Future of the Case:
The main question remains: Will the ethics committee prove that Chabat actually violated constitutional provisions, or will this decision be seen as an attempt to impose political oversight on parliamentarians?
Conclusion:
As Fes prepares to host global sporting events, the urban transport crisis in the city remains an urgent issue requiring immediate solutions. While Riam Chabat continues to defend citizens’ rights, the question remains: Will she succeed in turning this crisis into an opportunity for real change, or will disciplinary measures limit her voice?
