Former Moroccan PM Benkirane Reverses Decision to Leave PJD Party

"Following the request of my two brothers, Professor Abderrahim Chikhi and Dr. Azeddine Toufik, I renounce my decision to break ties with the people mentioned in a previous press release," he wrote in a message posted on his Facebook page. This announcement comes a few days before the PJD national council scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, March 20 and 21.

On March 11, Abdelilah Benkirane had used this same social network to announce the "freezing of his membership in the PJD", and the "rupture" of his relationship with his successor Saâdeddine El Othmani, as well as with the party ministers Mustapha Ramid, Mohamed Amekraz, Aziz Rebbah, and the former minister Lahcen Daoudi following the adoption by the Council of Government of bill n°13.21 "on the legal use of cannabis". An announcement that has raised strong tensions within the party.