Former Minister and PJD Leader Criticizes Benkirane and Regrets the Deterioration of the Party’s Discourse
Nozha Wafi, a former minister and leader in the Justice and Development Party (PJD), has joined the chorus of voices criticizing Abdelilah Benkirane, the party’s Secretary-General, following his controversial remarks attacking French President Emmanuel Macron during the May Day celebrations.
Wafi expressed her rejection of what she termed “mockery” of a head of state with whom Morocco shares a strategic partnership. In a post on her official Facebook account, she stated that defending the Palestinian cause does not legitimize disrespect towards Macron, highlighting that France has been at the forefront of supporting Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces during critical moments of the regional conflict.
The party leader deemed Benkirane’s statements unworthy of a political figure who led the Moroccan government for two terms, arguing that such remarks contradict political norms and diplomatic protocols, regardless of the motivations behind them. She called for prioritizing national interests and maintaining a responsible and balanced discourse that avoids animosity and escalation, and refrains from personal attacks, both domestically and internationally.
Wafi lamented the current state of the party, which she believed had been a platform for serious political advocacy, but has now devolved into a space filled with insults and confrontations, contrary to the religious reference and political culture of Moroccans.
Wafi’s position reflects a growing discontent within the Justice and Development Party regarding Benkirane’s management of political discourse, especially during a sensitive diplomatic time for the Kingdom.
