HIBAPRESS – Rabat
Nizar Baraka, the Secretary-General of the Istiqlal Party and Minister of Equipment and Water, sparked a wave of controversy after appearing Sunday evening on the second channel in a talk show, dedicated to discussing social developments and protests in several Moroccan cities, demanding reform of vital sectors such as health and education, and fighting corruption.
During his intervention, Baraka was keen from the beginning to present himself in his party capacity, saying, "I am here as Secretary-General of the Istiqlal Party," avoiding any reference to his ministerial position, which was interpreted by a number of followers as a renunciation of governmental responsibility, in a sensitive situation that requires clarity and accountability.
This stance is seen as a departure from the "government compound" at a time of increasing public pressure, where many questioned the extent of the majority's responsibility in dealing with the demands put forward, at a time when eyes are turning to the government as a whole and not just to the National Rally of Independents party, which leads the coalition.
Angry comments were recorded on social media platforms, considering that Baraka "abandoned the hat of the minister in the Aziz Akhannouch government, despite being a direct party in it," at a time when large segments of citizens are demanding an honest governmental discussion about the social situation.
It is worth noting that the Istiqlal Party is one of the three pillars forming the government majority, along with the National Rally of Independents and the Authenticity and Modernity parties, which puts it at the forefront of public and political accountability regarding the government's performance and its management of a number of current social files.
