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The Justice and Development Party (PJD) has made its position clear this Sunday on the escalating fuel prices. Abdelilah Benkirane, speaking at a meeting of the party's general secretariat, remarked, «Driss Azami [the party's deputy leader, editor's note] highlighted that, given the global situation, this price hike is understandable».
Echoing his deputy's sentiment, Benkirane urged PJD members to resist engaging in «populist rhetoric», emphasizing the party's unique approach, even when dealing with parties that might appear as adversaries.
Benkirane's measured tone stands in stark contrast to the criticism from Islamist deputy Mustapha Ibrahimi, who has condemned the rising fuel costs. In a statement, he questioned the government's role in the price surge, hinting at potential «complicity» with oil companies.
Benkirane's stance is hardly surprising. As a former head of government, he spearheaded the full liberalization of fuel prices in 2015 without implementing protective measures. This decision was pointed out by the current head of the government, Aziz Akhannouch, during an April 18, 2022 session at the House of Representatives. Akhannouch reminded Abdellah Bouanou, the president of the PJD parliamentary group, «It was indeed the PJD that raised prices, that liberalized fuels. They were in government for ten years and failed to secure a national strategic stock of hydrocarbons».
It's worth noting that Benkirane previously opposed the 2022 calls circulating on social media and in some media outlets for Akhannouch's resignation just months into his term. «I do not agree with these calls asking this government to step down now (...) It must remain and be given the necessary time to demonstrate what it is capable of», he asserted on July 16, 2022, during a PJD national council meeting. This position was challenged by former PJD deputy Abdelaziz Aftati.
