Rabat Mayor Faces Scrutiny Over Luxury Car Rental Deal Amid Budget Concerns

The elected representatives of the Federation of the Democratic Left (FGD) want to see clearly in the market for the rental of thirteen luxury cars (Peugeot 508 brand) launched by the mayor of Rabat for the benefit of her close collaborators. Denouncing a "shady affair", they say they do not understand why such an initiative is taken in a very difficult economic context. "We are therefore surprised by 13 cars in total of another type, with a very high price that does not even respect the content of the circular addressed by the Minister of the Interior, calling for the rationalization of expenses," they said during a press conference held at the headquarters of the FGD last Friday.

The incomprehension and suspicions of corruption have prompted these opposition elected officials to bring the case before the courts. They filed a complaint against the mayor, whom they accuse of misappropriation of public funds in the car rental market. Asmaa Rhlalou has been summoned by the justice system and will have to appear from May 5 next, reports the Arabic-language daily Al Ahdath Al Maghribia.