فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Fez – The circulation of a photo of a residential building in a district of the Old City of Fez, referred to as the “House of Mayor El Bakkali,” has sparked widespread controversy over what is described as a ‘Karbage’ or a metal barrier installed in front of the entrance. The nocturnal image, circulated on social media, shows a partially closed black metal gate/barrier, surrounded by illuminated green trees under the streetlights, with multi-story white buildings in the background. According to local sources, the location is Daïrino Street, where the barrier allegedly obstructs the passage of motorcycles and vehicles, raising questions about its legal legitimacy.
Incident Details and Allegations
The post accompanying the photo indicates that the barrier is “in Daïrino Street to prevent vehicles from parking/accessing the building,” while emphasizing that the pathway is part of the “public street” and not shared private property. It is further stated that this measure constitutes a “flagrant violation of the law,” especially coming from an elected official who is supposed to represent the authorities and uphold legal standards.
The post identifies the mayor in question as Abdeslam El Bakkali, the current Mayor of the Fez Commune, who was elected in 2021 with a majority of votes from the National Rally of Independents (RNI) party. Circulating information suggests that installing barriers on public streets without official authorization is considered a violation of the law regulating Territorial Collectivities, which prohibits the monopolization of public spaces for personal gain. However, the barrier’s connection to the Mayor’s house has not been officially confirmed, and there is no immediate data from the concerned authorities confirming or denying the allegations.
Legal Context and Administrative Precedent
Law No. 113.14 concerning Territorial Collectivities governs the use of public spaces, requiring approval from the competent authorities for any modification affecting public roads, such as the installation of barriers for security or private reasons. If the barrier is proven to be located on a public thoroughfare, it could be considered an abuse of authority, requiring intervention from local authorities or the Public Prosecution Office for its removal.
It is noted that Abdeslam El Bakkali, the Mayor of Fez, has faced other accusations of financial and administrative corruption in recent years, including judicial prosecution in 2023 for “failure to report a felony” in a corruption case within the Fez Commune, in addition to complaints regarding public transport contracts and infrastructure deals. This precedent amplifies the sensitivity of the new accusations, which are perceived as a pattern of “personal investment” in public responsibilities.
Reactions and Recommendations
The post sparked discussions on social media platforms, with citizens calling for an investigation, viewing the alleged action as a violation of the principle of equality before the law. To date, no official statement has been issued by the Fez Commune or the Mayor in response to these allegations, which reinforces the need for transparent intervention.
It is recommended to consult the competent bodies, such as the Directorate of Territorial Collectivities or the Public Prosecution Office in Fez, to verify the legal status of the barrier and ensure respect for public ownership. Such incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of transparency in local governance, especially in historic cities like Fez, where private spaces intersect with public heritage.
