In a controversial statement, Abdelilah Benkirane, Secretary-General of the Justice and Development Party (PJD), asserted that legal guardianship of a child should be granted to the parent who bears the financial responsibility for the child. He emphasized that the child’s best interests must be prioritized, particularly in divorce cases between parents.
Benkirane argued that legal guardianship should not automatically be a shared right between the parents, and that the person who covers the expenses for the child should have the greater claim to this responsibility. He explained that this reflects the parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs, granting them the right to make significant decisions, such as determining the child’s residence or choosing their school. Benkirane also pointed out that disputes over decisions, such as where to spend the holidays, should be resolved based on who is financially responsible.
In cases of severe disagreements, Benkirane mentioned that the court could intervene, as it holds the authority to decide who deserves the legal guardianship, always keeping the child’s welfare in mind. He noted that in situations where a father might act out of vengeance toward the mother or with motivations unrelated to the child’s welfare, the judge could transfer the guardianship back to the mother if she is deemed more suitable at that time.
Benkirane clarified that legal guardianship should never be used as a tool for vengeance between ex-spouses, but rather as a means to ensure the child’s well-being and protection. He added that there are cases where a reassessment of parental responsibility may be necessary, especially if one parent seeks personal gain over prioritizing the child’s interests.
source : fesnews media