Rachid Al-Wali to Benkiran: Moroccans Are Not Donkeys, and Respecting People Comes Before Politics
Rachid Al-Wali, the Moroccan artist and actor, swiftly and decisively responded to the statements made by Abdelilah Benkiran, the Secretary-General of the Justice and Development Party, in which he referred to some Moroccans as “microbes” and “donkeys” during his speech on Labor Day, May 1st.
In a post shared on his official Facebook account, Al-Wali rejected these terms, deeming them offensive and unacceptable, especially coming from a figure who has held the position of Prime Minister. He stated that he is not a politician and does not belong to any party; however, as a Moroccan citizen, he could not remain silent about the insult directed at Moroccans simply because of differing opinions or their prioritization of national issues.
Al-Wali pointed out that support for the Palestinian cause has never wavered and that the King represents the people on such matters by sending aid and opening hospitals, without the need for derogatory remarks or accusations. He expressed astonishment at how Benkiran allows himself to use such language against citizens, emphasizing that even a father no longer speaks to his children in this manner, let alone a politician addressing an entire nation.
He stressed that political discourse should be balanced, based on wisdom and respect, rather than emotion and insults. Additionally, he remarked that if pressure or age is responsible for this decline in manners, it might be time to make way for new blood that can present a more aware and mature discourse.
Al-Wali concluded his post by reminding Benkiran that respecting people is what immortalizes a politician, and that history does not forget hurtful words, urging him to withdraw quietly if politics no longer suits him, so he can be remembered fondly rather than for insults.
Rachid Al-Wali’s post received a wide range of responses from followers who considered it a natural and respectful reaction, reflecting the stance of a significant segment of Moroccans who rejected being described using derogatory terms.
