French-based education bill stirs controversy in Morocco

Mahmoud Mohammadi

Despite affirmations in the Moroccan Constitution’s fifth article that state Arabic as the official language of the state, a parliamentary committee has approved a bill to reform education allowing some subjects to be taught in French.

The new bill has stirred controversy in Morocco. The Justice and Development Party (JDP), the political arm of Morocco’s Muslim Brotherhood, has approved the bill, under which some subjects will be taught only in French.

Former Moroccan Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane has criticized the JDP following a parliamentary committee’s approvals of a French-based education draft.

In a video, Benkirane strongly criticized a draft framework law seeking to push for a widespread adoption of French as language of instruction of most subjects in Moroccan schools.

“Arabic is a matter of principle. It is unfortunate and disgraceful that a party with an Islamic reference [the JDP] renounces the Arabic language in education and replaces it with the language of colonialism,” Benkirane said of his party.

Morocco’s Prime Minister Saad Eddine El Othmani defended the bill stressing that the Justice and Development Party is committed to its reference.

“Those who attack the party cannot attack the party’s principles. So when you face this kind of campaign, it is proof that you have good goals,” El Othmani said.

He stressed that the party is committed to its principles and reference and will remain faithful to its principles.

El Othmani has made it clear that his party will remain strong by its institutions and will be able to face all the challenges, noting that the party is an entity of institutions and not individuals, referring to Benkirane.