The Moroccan prime minster answered criticism from the opposition on his first months in office.
Can the Moroccan government deliver on its promises? That was the central query from opposition parliamentarians during the prime minister's first question and answer session.
Moroccan Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane responded to tough questions at the May 14th event as MPs claimed that the government had yet to achieve anything of substance.
"Solutions to the problems have to be found, and plans must be put into effect," Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP) parliamentary group leader Ahmed Zaidi said, claiming that the government was so focused on slogans that it failed to make good on its promises.
MP Fouad Omari of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) shared this sentiment. He said that although Moroccans expected big things to happen, the government had only given statements of intent.
Benkirane denied the accusations during the parliamentary session, which will take place on a monthly basis in the future. He stressed that the government only took office a few months ago and will need time to implement the planned reforms.
"I'm not worried about running out of time," Benkirane said, "We'll be in government for five years."
He explained: "We need to draw up 150 bills and 140 draft decrees during that time. We've already set to work."
Benkirane's promises focused on tackling the country's social issues, improving the economy, and bridging the gap between the public and the administration.
He also underlined that the government's job was not an easy one given the resistance to change from some quarters, in particular those who benefit from the rentier economy.
He said that the problem of unearned rents has been deeply ingrained in Moroccan society for decades and cannot be solved overnight.
Popular Movement head Mohamed Moubdiaa said that although the problem was firmly entrenched in the country's history, Moroccans want to see solutions implemented so that rents are abolished and society becomes fairer.
Zaidi agreed and highlighted the fact that although he and the USFP have already declared their willingness to help the government tackle rents and corruption, MPs and his party cannot go on supporting statements of intent alone.
He issued a challenge to Benkirane: "Show us something concrete and we will support you, otherwise we can't carry on like this."
The prime minister said that methods of governance have changed and that government and parliament must unite to deal with pockets of resistance.
He also pointed out that the government has the king's backing.
"The king has already told me to enforce the law and not to listen to voices that call for the opposite, even if they happen to come from the palace", he underlined.
Salim Cheikhi, a political analyst, said that those who have supported the PJD thus far still have faith in the party but that they are waiting to see real changes in their daily lives.
"Thanks to his populist and courageous stance, Benkirane remains popular, Cheikhi said, "but he needs to rally his troops to achieve something in practice, otherwise there could be a backlash."
© Magharebia.com 2012
