Moroccan Energy Minister Denies Link to Australian Billionaire After Photo Controversy

A photograph, published by the Australian newspaper "The Australian", showing a woman kissing the rich Australian businessman Andrew Forrest has caused a stir. Quickly, the rumor spread and some claimed that the woman in question is none other than Leila Benali.

In the face of these "lying accusations", the minister has reacted firmly through a press release from her ministry, categorically denying being the woman in the photo and describing these allegations as "lying and totally unfounded".

Leila Benali recalls her status as a "responsible minister within the government of the Kingdom of Morocco" and her duty to "defend the supreme interests of the country". As a "Moroccan woman and mother", she reaffirms her "total commitment to respect for good morals and rules of good conduct".

The minister points the finger at "interest groups" who are seeking revenge following the "failure to achieve very specific gains and objectives".

Regarding the rumors of conflicts of interest, Leila Benali is clear: "the entirety of public contracts and tenders in the energy sector and related investments obeys strict rules and standards of good governance", highlighting the decision-making independence of the bodies under her supervision and ensuring that everything is carried out in compliance with established procedures.

Faced with these repeated attacks, the minister reserves the right to "resort to justice and use all legal means to defend her rights and the interests of the ministry". A clear and firm message to "those whose responsibility will have been proven in the acts denounced".