Opposition protest in Parliament, say TikTok does the job of legislators

Opposition parties in Parliament protested a meeting of the Finance and Economic Development Committee today, denouncing the committee’s lack of response to 120 opposition requests. 

They criticized the committee for prioritizing the majority’s request, accusing it of serving the government’s interests and giving the false impression of parliamentary oversight.

Rachid Hamouni head of the Progress and Socialism parliamentary group, demanded the “cancellation” of the meeting, asserting that “TikTok is now doing the job of the legislative institution.” 

He expressed frustration over the exclusion of the opposition and the swift handling of the majority’s requests. 

“Last week, the opposition requested a postponement, which was ignored, while the majority’s requests were quickly addressed,” he said, calling it a breach of parliamentary rules. 

“This meeting cannot proceed under these conditions,” he said.

Hamouni raised a point of order, questioning the committee’s inactivity since the discussion of the finance law. “Why are we just now hearing about the committee’s plans?” he asked. 

He also demanded clarity on whether all ministers were refusing to attend, lamenting that the opposition’s 87 requests were met with the question of whether they still stood. “Instead of saying the government is absent, the committee asks if we’re committed. We will not be silent,” he declared.

Hamouni, visibly agitated, vowed to disrupt the session, accusing the committee of acting at the government’s behest. “The committee is now functioning for the majority and the government, removing inconvenient topics and prioritizing those that suit their agenda,” he said. “The opposition must be recognized as a core part of the legislative process.”

Mohamed Chaouki, leader of the National Rally of Independents (RNI), attempted to calm the situation, urging Hamouni to reconsider. 

Zaina Chahim, the committee chairwoman, explained that the committee had delegated handling requests to her, noting that some topics were outdated or delayed due to ministers’ schedules. “Requests are forwarded to the ministries, and delays sometimes occur,” she said.

Abdallah Bounaou, head of the Justice and Development Group, stated that “under the current conditions, the committee cannot proceed.” 

He questioned the political motives behind the session, pointing out that only the majority’s request was discussed, despite the opposition’s earlier proposal. 

“The issue was moved from the Social Sectors Committee to this committee at the majority’s request. This undermines the legislative institution,” he concluded.

Noureddine Madiyan, former leader of the Independence Party group, defended the legislative process, expressing astonishment at the lack of response to opposition requests. 

“The government is constitutionally obligated to cooperate with parliament,” he said.

“Other committees are functioning normally, and ministers are attending regularly. The government must fulfill its duties.”

In the end, the meeting was adjourned, with plans to reschedule.