USFP chief hails Morocco's left-wing opposition

President of Morocco's main leftist party Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP), Driss Lachgar has denied that he is leading a faction within the party after the emergence of the movement's parliamentary chief Ahmed al-Zaidi as a potential leadership rival. Amid reports of the conservative Istiqlal Party's withdrawal from government, the attention has turned to USFP as a potential coalition partner for the ruling Justice and Development Party (JPD). However, Lachgar claims that USFP does not intend to step into government with Abdelilah Benkirane's party any time soon. The leftist politician said that conflicts within USFP are "healthy" and would bring everyone together to provide a formidable left-wing opposition. The Moroccan politician said that he is proud to be leader of the USFP and seeks to unite the "socialist family." Meanwhile, leader of Morocco's Labour Party, Abdelkrim Benatiq, says he is delighted to have pledged allegiance to the USFP. "The success of this initiative is important. We will soon hold a conference to formally announce the alliance," he said.