By Loubna Flah
Morocco World News
Casablanca, July 11, 2013
The minister of national education, Mr. Al Ouafa refused to quit the coalition government despite the fact that his party had announced officially its withdrawal from the government. El Ouafa seemed disaffected when his fellow ministers from the IP headed towards the quarters of the government’s presidency to submit their resignation.
When asked about his attitude towards the IP’s decision, El Ouafa retorted “I am still working, and the government is still in power. The king has the final say in the matter”. EL Ouafa’s reluctance to align himself with his member parties earned him the disgruntlement of a large segment of the IP members.
The IP members decided after a meeting held on Tuesday that Mr. El Ouafa will be expelled from the party. The IP had given the minister an ultimatum to abide by the IP’s decision but the deadline expired on Wednesday without any response from the minister who refused to break his silence despite the IP’s threats.
Sources close to the daily Akhbar Al Yawm reported that the PJD is likely to approach the National Rally for Independents known as the RNI, and a former foe of the PJD, in order to counteract any probable defeat by a motion of no confidence.
But the RNI would not accept the PJD offer without setting a lengthy list of conditions, including the presidency of the parliament and key ministerial positions such as the ministry of health, housing, and national education.
On Wednesday Mustafa El Khalfi, communication minister and government spokesman said Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane is considering the resignation made ??by the ministers of the Independence Party,noting that they still exercise their functions until the King makes a decision on the future of the coalition.