Highlights of Moroccan editorials, July 15, 2013

The expected visit of King Juan Carlos of Spain to Morocco (July 15-17) and the political situation entailed by the Istiqlal party’s ministers withdrawal from the government are the two highlights of Moroccan editorials this July 15, 2013). For L'Economiste, the Spanish king’s travel to Morocco will be an opportunity to re-test the Morocco-Spain engine, underlining that enterprises are two solid actors of economic diplomacy on which the two countries rely. Conceding that there are divergences between Morocco and Spain, particularly over the Sahara issue, illegal migration and some Moroccan exports quotas, the editorialist notes that the two countries have always succeeded in overcoming their disputes. On its part, Annahar Al-Maghribia recalls that relations between Rabat and Madrid are strategic and rely on shared interests, noting these vital ties require mutual support, common defense and permanent coordination. The editorialist also points out that Morocco-Spain ties are stable and have always remained far from electoral considerations, political changes and diplomatic incidents, stressing that the Spanish monarch visit, which has a highly symbolic value, will be devoted to developing a work plan of bilateral ties, encompassing the signing of long-term agreements meant to boost trade and cultural exchanges and diplomatic and political cooperation. The editorialist of Bayane Al-Yaoum argues that the visit will be an opportunity for the two countries to hold a “frank” dialogue and reinforce partnership at the service of development, stability, peace and progress of the two neighbor countries and of the Mediterranean region. For the editorialist, the shared history and common cultural and linguistic legacy are assets to develop dialog and cooperation.Regarding the political situation entailed by the Istiqlal party ministers’ pullout of the government Aujourd'hui le Maroc notes that the option of early elections to get out of the deadlock will be the worst solution and a very costly one, not for political parties, but for the country and for economy. The editorialist argues that early elections might not change anything, recalling that in 2011, Moroccans voted for parties hoping that they will carry out major reforms, create jobs, improve living conditions and promote investments. For the editorialist of Akhbar Al Yaoum Al Maghribia, the head of government, Abdelilah Benkirane still has a chance to resume negotiations for a new contract with parties willing to enter the new coalition.For the paper, Benkirane has turned the page of Chabat (leader of the Istiqlal party) and has opened the page of Mezouar (leader of the RNI opposition party), hoping to form a coherent majority that will be able to carry out the longed for reforms. The editorialist stresses the need for a new contract with the majority parties over a government project and the need to propose appropriate solutions for major issues, mainly those of reforming the subsidy fund and local elections organization. The editorialist of L’Opinion castigates the PJD, saying it is has not changed the political discourse that led to the government crisis, despite the “tremor” caused by the Istiqlal party’s decision to withdraw from the government. The PJD leaders continue to take credit for the achievements of others, the editorialist says arguing that this practice is the result of the lack of any actions by the PJD which rushed to increase fuel prices and is still planning to reform the subsidy fund which the editorialist calls “the worst” decision.