Former Moroccan Employment Minister Speaks Out on Political Landscape

Dismissal from the government, relationship with Abdelilah Benkirane, political and social situation in Morocco, internal situation of the PJD... Mohamed Yatim confides to Al Ayyam.

"Contrary to what has been said and believed, since his departure from the Executive, Benkirane has never tried to harm the smooth running of the government, nor that of the party. Those who have given his media outings a character of revenge do not know his personality," said Mohamed Yatim, who paid tribute to the predecessor of the current Head of Government, Saadeddine El Othmani. According to the former Minister of Employment, Abdelilah Benkirane was an exceptional Secretary General who made the Party of Justice and Development (PJD) shine.

Speaking about his departure from the government, Yatim gave a positive assessment of his management. He hammered that his dismissal was in no way related to the moral affairs of which he had been accused. Only, the announcement of his departure from the government, he said, was a big disappointment. He hinted that he was not surprised by this dismissal, since he used to tell his collaborators that he was aware of occupying an ejectable seat.

"I always have in mind the attitude of Dr. Saadeddine El Othmani who, when he was dismissed from his position as Minister of Foreign Affairs, resumed his work normally in his office and continued to attend the work of the party’s general secretariat," he added.

Commenting on the latest ministerial reshuffle, Yatim argues that this does not mean flaws in the management of public affairs; but it responds to the call made by King Mohammed VI, in his throne speech. The Sovereign had, he recalled, called for a change aimed at restructuring the team, reducing the number of ministers and infusing new blood with young skills.