Moroccan opinion piece questions voters' focus on Palestine over national issues

An opinion piece published by Hespress questions the electoral priorities of Moroccan voters, specifically asking whether they will support parties and individuals who place the Palestinian cause above national concerns. The author, Ali El Ouakili, expresses concern over what he describes as a segment of the population and political actors overly focused on external issues.

El Ouakili criticizes what he terms the "sick left" with its "old ideological commitment," suggesting this group uses the Palestinian cause to gain moral credibility. He also targets those who mix religion and politics, equating their focus on Palestine to a religious obligation that should permeate all aspects of political life. The author argues that some parties, while protesting normalization with Israel, exhibit clear hostility towards their own country's economic progress and national unity, citing opposition to major infrastructure projects like the Tangier-Med port and advancements in the automotive industry.

The article further contends that certain groups, including Generation Z, have adopted this anti-national development stance. El Ouakili expresses alarm at the prospect of parties supporting Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, or the Polisario Front gaining significant representation in the Moroccan parliament or local councils. He fears this could lead to foreign agendas dictating national policy, with parliamentary questions potentially directed at ministers regarding issues unrelated to Morocco's core interests.

The author laments the display of foreign flags and the promotion of foreign causes by individuals he deems lacking national sentiment. He notes that some who are vocal about Palestine consider discussions of the Moroccan Sahara a taboo, linking it to normalization. El Ouakili suggests that if candidates perceive that most Moroccans approach the Palestinian issue with moderate national and religious sentiment, they might downplay it during campaigns only to revive it once elected to secure their seats.