Morocco: The Chabat Memorandum : Istiqlal increases the pressure

The Istiqlal party has adopted the logic of solidarity and equality as a doctrine rooted in its ideological philosophy, rejecting the  notion of equality to the detriment of the middle class, but supporting economically vulnerable groups so that they can reach the level of the middle class, the daily newspaper Aujourd'hui reports.

Hamid Chabat has insisted, however, that the Istiqlal must work to bring  more success to the current government experience, at the same time advocating for the cohesion of the governing majority through self-criticism and dialogue among its allies, allowing the implementation of democratic provisions of the Constitution. He cals for a true coalition government with joint decisions and supervision rather than the PJD leading the government alone.

Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane has rejected the Istiqlal memorandum and press reports have suggested that theparty mayleave the coalition and join the opposition if its demands are not met.

Chabat argues that Morocco's economic and social situation is critical and requires a general mobilisation to save the national economy and meet the legitimate aspirations of  its citizens The Istiqlal secretary general was keen to stress that the current economic situation requires urgent immediate action capable of ensuring macroeconomic stabalisation including support for trade and production projects and export "to promote a decrease in unemployment and an increase in foreign exchange reserves".