The Makhzen’s Dubious Accusations: A Scandalous Attempt to Smear Algeria with Bribery Allegations
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- In a startling turn of events, 70 Moroccan associations have pointed fingers at Algeria, accusing them of offering a staggering $5 million bribe to the Spanish party, Frente Obrero. The alleged purpose was to display a controversial graphic image portraying the King of Morocco and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in an intimate embrace, suggesting the Moroccan monarch’s homosexuality.
However, these associations conveniently remain silent about the alarming campaign that targeted Moroccan women in the Gulf, accusing them of prostitution and corruption. Instead, they have taken it upon themselves to vehemently defend the honor of Mohammed VI, who was featured on a banner during a Spanish party’s election campaign with no connection to Algeria whatsoever.
Unsurprisingly, these Moroccan associations failed to provide any credible source for the claim of a $5 million bribe. Such an exorbitant sum for a mere image on a banner seems absurd and raises questions about the veracity of the entire accusation. The Spanish party in question, “Frente Obrero,” is subject to legal scrutiny regarding its campaign financing, and it is highly unlikely that a substantial sum like $5 million could go unnoticed by Spanish intelligence.
Adding further controversy to the mix, the Moroccan intelligence-backed newspaper, Hespress, actively engaged in a media campaign to implicate Algeria in the alleged bribery case. Instead of addressing Spain and condemning the offensive image that tarnished the image of their sovereign symbol, the king, the Makhzen chose to take a cowardly route by attempting to implicate Algeria.
This move highlights the Makhzen’s preference for immediate interests over standing up against Spain’s indifference towards the offensive portrayal of the Moroccan king. It seems that the Makhzen’s alliance with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, particularly on the Sahrawi issue, holds more value to them than preserving the honor of Mohammed VI.
The notion that a staggering $5 million would be allocated to validate Mohammed VI’s reputation is dubious at best. The king has been previously caught in compromising situations, such as being filmed in a state of inebriation on a Paris street. His questionable interactions with certain individuals, coupled with lavish gifts and favors, raise concerns about his intentions and priorities as a ruling monarch.
In conclusion, the tarnished honor of Mohammed VI does not necessitate a $5 million bribery scheme to defend it. The Moroccan associations’ attempt to implicate Algeria appears to be a desperate ploy to distract from the real issues at hand. Instead of indulging in baseless accusations, it is crucial for all parties involved to focus on matters of governance and genuine concerns that affect the welfare of their citizens.
