Moroccan Islamists' Key Ally Quits Govt, Says Benkirane 'Monopolizing Decision-Making'

The national council of Morocco's conservative Istiqlal party, the main ally of the ruling Islamists, decided on Saturday to pull out of the government, a party official said.

The decision by Istiqlal, which holds several ministerial portfolios including education and the economy, could mean a general election or a cabinet reshuffle by the government headed by the Party of Justice and Development, the PJD.

In a statement, Istiqlal's national council criticized the Islamist head of the government, Abdelilah Benkirane, for failing to take "into consideration the gravity of the social and economic situation."

Istiqlal also said Benkirane, head of the PJD, was "monopolizing decisions at the center of government".

A spokesman for the party, Adil Benhamza, said they would send a note to King Mohamed VI to "explain the reasons that pushed our party to take such a course of action," adding that it was up to Benkirane to decide what step to take next.

Prior to Saturday's decision, Istiqlal head Hamid Chabat had been increasingly critical of Benkirane's government in the media.

The PJD, which has led the government since it dominated elections in late 2011, will have to find a new ally in government to replace Istiqlal if it wishes to avoid a new vote.