Abdelilah Benkirane, Secretary-General of the Justice and Development Party (PJD), has weighed in on the controversy sparked by recent articles in the French newspaper Le Monde about King Mohammed VI, as well as claims made by the anonymous account «Jabaroot», which alleges to leak information about Moroccan officials. In a video message released in the early hours of Wednesday, August 27, 2025, Benkirane said: «As Moroccans, we must know how to deal with these articles and rumors, whether they come from this source or another». Speaking as a citizen, a former prime minister, and the head of the PJD, Benkirane stressed that «there are serious matters that must be highlighted, and the people must understand these issues and respond in the right way». He accused Le Monde of trying to undermine the bond between Moroccans and their monarch: «This newspaper is attempting to sow doubt in the relationship between the people and the king. But Moroccans have always been loyal to their kings. In the past, there were conspiracies and coup attempts, yet the vigilance of the people foiled them all and safeguarded the state, thanks to the people's trust in their monarchs». Describing Le Monde as «hostile to Morocco from the very beginning until today», Benkirane added: «Now it speaks as if we are in the final stages of His Majesty's reign. But this monarchy has been held by Moroccans for 12 centuries. Why are you interfering in these matters? His Majesty is fulfilling all his duties. Focus on your own problems». He called on Moroccan citizens to ignore such publications: «Close your ears to this nonsense and do not listen to conspiracies». Addressing Jabroot's claims regarding the Crown Prince, Benkirane said: «The Crown Prince is the hope of Moroccans for the future. Yet today you are interfering in his eating habits. If their intentions were genuine, they should have addressed His Majesty directly, instead of trying to cast doubt about the king, the institutions, and the state». Benkirane concluded by urging restraint: «We must learn not to dwell on rumors or reports that seek only to spread doubt and negativity about the king and the monarchy. If nothing comes officially from the royal palace, close the door on these rumors. Everything you need to know will be communicated directly and officially».
