Moroccan Business Leader Resigns After Controversial Algeria Comments

It was through a short email addressed to the members of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises on October 12 that Salaheddine Mezouar "made the decision for major personal constraints to resign from the presidency of the CGEM with immediate effect".

At the first plenary session of the World Policy Conference held in Marrakech on October 12, the President of the CGEM commented on the internal situation in Algeria. It was one comment too many for Salaheddine Mezouar.

In a statement dated October 13 and signed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Residing Abroad, "the Government of His Majesty the King condemns the irresponsible, clumsy and thoughtless approach" of the now former President of the CGEM.

"This statement has raised questions at the political level and in public opinion as to its timing and its true motivations," the same source specifies.

The CGEM is accused of substituting the Government in taking a position on international issues, and in particular on developments in this neighboring country.

Morocco’s position on this issue remains unchanged: "The Kingdom of Morocco has indeed decided to adhere to an attitude of non-interference with regard to developments in Algeria. Morocco refrains from any comment on this subject. It has neither to interfere in the internal developments that this neighboring country is experiencing, nor to comment on them in any way," concludes the statement.