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Three months ahead of the legislative elections scheduled for September 23, divisions have emerged within Aziz Akhannouch’s governing coalition over the issue of public aid granted to livestock breeders.
In the House of Councillors, the groups of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) and the Istiqlal Party have joined forces with the opposition by signing a letter addressed to chamber speaker Mohamed Ould Errachid, calling for the creation of a parliamentary inquiry commission into the billions of dirhams in public aid granted to livestock breeders. The move comes amid criticism that red meat and sheep prices remained high despite the government support measures.
By distancing themselves from the party of the head of government, PAM and Istiqlal have further isolated the National Rally of Independents (RNI) within the majority coalition. Their support is also expected to pave the way for the inquiry commission’s creation, as the request has comfortably surpassed the threshold required under Article 67 of the 2011 Constitution, which allows such commissions to be established at the initiative of the King or at the request of one-third of the members of either chamber of Parliament.
The initiative follows remarks made in November 2025 by government spokesperson Mustapha Baitas, who stated that 756,000 beneficiaries had received livestock support amounting to 3.172 billion dirhams.
That figure contrasts sharply with the 300 million dirhams cited in March by House of Representatives speaker Rachid Talbi Alami, a member of the RNI. The discrepancy fueled criticism from both PAM and Istiqlal. Responding to allegations of favoritism and misappropriation, Talbi Alami challenged his critics, declaring: «If you have evidence, take the case to court!»
The House of Councillors will not be renewed until autumn 2027, giving the future inquiry commission ample time to conduct hearings. Among those who could be called to testify are Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch, former Agriculture Minister Mohammed Sadiki, his successor Ahmed El Bouari, and Economy and Finance Minister Nadia Fettah Alaoui.
The commission’s findings are expected to be compiled in a final report that could ultimately be referred to the judiciary.
