Istiqlal Party Calls for a New Social Contract in Morocco

Istiqlal party sec-gen Nizar Baraka (File photo: AFP)
Istiqlal party sec-gen Nizar Baraka (File photo: AFP)
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Istiqlal Party Calls for a New Social Contract in Morocco

Istiqlal party sec-gen Nizar Baraka (File photo: AFP)
Istiqlal party sec-gen Nizar Baraka (File photo: AFP)

Morocco’s opposition Istiqlal party hopes the new electoral laws approved by the parliament will open the door to a “new democratic rotation.”

Istiqlal’s Sec-Gen Nizar Baraka called for establishing a new social contract based on an approach that includes all factions in the country and without discrimination.

Speaking during the party's central committee meeting, Baraka was optimistic about the new laws in enhancing the democratic system and establishing real competition with a balanced political scene.

Istiqlal is looking forward to launching political reforms workshops to further localize the democratic option, protect rights, launch mechanisms that enhance confidence in political action, and prepare for the electoral process.

The upcoming elections must constitute an opportunity for citizens to conduct a real evaluation of the government's performance, said Baraka, calling on all Moroccans to express their will based on transparent democratic mechanisms.

He wanted the new democratic path to spread hope for a better tomorrow in the country, and bring about the desired change, in reference to the party’s aim to win the elections and remove the Islamist Justice and Development party, which has dominated the government since the 2011 elections.

The party’s central committee issued a statement calling for a “new social contract” that establishes a new generation of economic, social, cultural and environmental rights that ensure a decent life for all citizens based on the principles of equality, equity, and solidarity.

The committee pointed out that the royal decree to extend social coverage constitutes a real social revolution, and a pillar in the new development model.

It called for providing all kinds of mechanisms and conditions to ensure its success.



Almost Half of Attacks on Heath Care in Lebanon Have Been Deadly, WHO Says

Smoke rises as a result of an Israeli airstrike on the village of Al-Khiyam in southern Lebanon, as seen from the Israeli side of the border, northern Israel, 22 November 2024, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. (EPA)
Smoke rises as a result of an Israeli airstrike on the village of Al-Khiyam in southern Lebanon, as seen from the Israeli side of the border, northern Israel, 22 November 2024, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. (EPA)
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Almost Half of Attacks on Heath Care in Lebanon Have Been Deadly, WHO Says

Smoke rises as a result of an Israeli airstrike on the village of Al-Khiyam in southern Lebanon, as seen from the Israeli side of the border, northern Israel, 22 November 2024, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. (EPA)
Smoke rises as a result of an Israeli airstrike on the village of Al-Khiyam in southern Lebanon, as seen from the Israeli side of the border, northern Israel, 22 November 2024, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. (EPA)

The World Health Organization says nearly half of the attacks on health care in Lebanon have been deadly since the Middle East conflict erupted in October last year, the highest such rate anywhere in the world.

The UN health agency says 65 out of 137, or 47%, of recorded “attacks on health care” in Lebanon over that time period have proven fatal to at least one person, and often many more.

WHO’s running global tally counts attacks, whether deliberate or not, that affect places like hospitals, clinics, medical transport, and warehouses for medical supplies, as well as medics, doctors, nurses and the patients they treat.

Nearly half of attacks on health care in Lebanon since last October and the majority of deaths occurred since an intensified Israeli military campaign began against Hezbollah in the country two months ago.

The health agency said 226 health workers and patients have been killed and 199 injured in Lebanon between Oct. 7, 2023 and this Monday.