Moroccan Liberal Party Challenges Justice Minister Over Alleged Financial Irregularities
The Moroccan Liberal Party has initiated a formal challenge against Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi, accusing him of engaging in questionable financial and real estate activities. The party has submitted two complaints, one to the Court of Auditors and another to the Ministry of Economy and Finance, demanding an immediate investigation into the allegations.
According to the party’s claims, the minister is involved in suspicious financial dealings that raise concerns about the legitimacy of his assets. One of the key issues cited is the signing of a gift deed in favor of his wife, which reportedly undervalued the property compared to its actual market value. This action has been interpreted as a potential breach of transparency and legal obligations.
Financial Transactions Under Scrutiny
In its complaint to the Court of Auditors, the party highlighted media reports suggesting that Minister Ouahbi engaged in financial transactions worth over 12 million dirhams during his tenure in government. These transactions include the repayment of a real estate loan with interest, which has sparked questions about the source of the funds and their alignment with the official asset declarations he submitted to oversight bodies.
The party argues that such activities not only undermine public trust but also pose a threat to the stability of institutions. It has called for a thorough and urgent investigation into these matters, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability. If any wrongdoing is uncovered, the party insists that legal consequences should be enforced.
Real Estate Activities and Tax Violations
The second complaint, directed at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, focuses on the minister’s real estate activities, particularly the gift deed to his wife. The party claims that the property was declared at a significantly lower value than its actual market price. Additionally, it references a televised statement by Ouahbi, in which he claimed the right to determine the value of the transfer, arguing that the transaction was a gift between spouses rather than a sale or profit-making deal.
The party views this as a clear admission of tax evasion and a violation of the General Tax Code, which mandates that all citizens declare the true value of real estate transfers, regardless of whether compensation is involved. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to audits and sanctions. The party further warns that exempting a minister from these legal obligations undermines the constitutional principle of equality before the law.
Calls for Transparency and Accountability
The Moroccan Liberal Party has reiterated its demand for an urgent investigation into what it perceives as a breach of public trust and a threat to institutional credibility. It calls for full transparency regarding the outcome of the probe and the application of all relevant legal measures if tax violations are confirmed.
Broader Concerns About Government Conduct
In an earlier statement, the party criticized the “irresponsible behavior” of several ministers in Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch’s government, including the Prime Minister himself. The party expressed growing suspicions of illicit enrichment, conflicts of interest, and abuse of power, which it attributes to a lack of legal, constitutional, or ethical oversight.
It raised concerns about the “alarming empowerment” of certain ministers, led by the Justice Minister, who appear to act above state institutions. This situation, according to the party, raises troubling questions about the forces enabling such conduct and allowing officials to disregard citizens’ rights and the rule of law.
Demands for Immediate Action
The party concluded its statement with a call to end these “irresponsible practices” by holding the Justice Minister accountable. It demands that he undergo a full tax audit and be subject to Article 143 of the law on real estate preemption in favor of the state. The party also calls for his dismissal, arguing that his continued presence in office undermines public trust in government and weakens the foundations of the rule of law.
