Morocco's new prime minister

Abbas el Fassi

Some have described Abbas el Fassi as the man who gets elected between transitional phases; he was elected as the ambassador to France during a time when the relationship between Paris and Rabat was undergoing transformation. Likewise, el Fassi was elected as secretary-general of Istiqlal party in 1998 following in the footsteps of Allal al Fassi and the influential Mohamed Boucetta. In the same vein, el Fassi’s appointment by King Mohammed VI as the sixth prime minister of Morocco after Driss Jettou (2002-2007) and before him the socialist Abderrahmane Youssoufi, heralds the advent of a new phase, one that al Fassi stresses must head in the direction towards democratization and development. - Mohammed Bukhazar writing for Asharq Alwasart

Morocco has a new prime minister, Abbas el Fassi, Secretary-General of the Istiqlal (Independence) party. For those interested in keeping and eye on Moroccan politics you will find an interesting ( and well written) piece in the daily Asharq Alwasart.

Some state that among Abbas el Fassi’s most prominent characteristics is a calmness that distinguishes him from another class of politicians in the state who are loud in declaring their opinions. They also maintain that he does not favor difficult decisions and is more inclined towards winning by scoring points instead of striking. He is known to adopt a negotiatory approach in the face of contentious issues and for achieving objectives in a gradual and progressive manner.

Abbas el Fassi led the Istiqlal party to the top after many had believed that the party had lost significant public support, proving that the voice of moderation is what is required for a state that follows a policy of moderation.

Although blessed with success and fortune throughout his previous political track, al Fassi is expected to face the press in Morocco, which was not very welcoming towards his appointment and barely gave him the opportunity to make his first statement as prime minister before launching into hostile and skeptical campaigns – especially the ‘independent’ newspapers. Some of the attacks undermined his capabilities while others wrote about his “deteriorating health” and his lack of responsibility whilst some were of the opinion that his failure is expected.

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