Morocco Extends Lockdown Amid Political Backlash and Economic Pressure

24 May 2020 – byBladi.net · 1 min read

The government’s decision to extend the lockdown is not unanimous in Morocco. The head of government, Saâdeddine El Othmani was harshly criticized on Wednesday by the parliamentarians of the Istiqlal and the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) for not easing the restrictions.

While the lockdown has been extended, the Prime Minister is forced to manage a potential conflict with Mohamed Benchaâboun, his Minister of Economy and Finance.

El Otmani, contrary to all expectations, ordered companies to resume activities the day after the Eid Al Fitr holiday, provided they comply with health standards and measures to protect workers and customers. This turnaround illustrates the dissensions within the government. According to some indiscretions, no minister dares to make a decision or execute it without the authorization and participation of the head of government.

According to estimates from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the lockdown costs Morocco about 1 billion dirhams (around 100 million euros) per day. In addition to the lack of vision (a term used by the opposition), the Prime Minister is also criticized for having mismanaged the issue of tens of thousands of Moroccans (31,800 exactly) stranded abroad.

The covid-19 pandemic, after impacting the national health system, is also likely to influence the political sphere.

Category: Morocco

Keywords:

Saadeddine El Othmani Moroccan government Coronavirus in Morocco (Covid-19)