Morocco's Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch Declines Third Term: A Political Shift
In a surprising announcement, Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch stated he will not run for a third term as leader of the National Rally of Independents, indicating he will not lead the government after the parliamentary elections scheduled for this fall.
This decision was revealed during a party conference in the coastal city of El Jadida, where Akhannouch emphasized that he made this choice thoughtfully, in order to adhere to the party's internal regulations, which allow for only two consecutive terms.
Akhannouch, a businessman who has been in office since 2021, highlighted that his decision reflects his commitment to the democratic values within the party that he has championed for over a decade.
He stated in his speech: "This is a serious decision that has been thoroughly considered, and I assure everyone that I will not run again to respect the principles of the party."
The announcement comes at a critical moment as the country faces protests led by youth from the "Generation Z 212" group, who are demanding improvements in the healthcare and education sectors.
These protests, which began in late September and continued into October of the previous year, focused on demands for better living standards and quality of essential services. In response to this pressure, the government increased the budget for social sectors for 2026, yet calls for Akhannouch's resignation persist from the opposition.
Despite these challenges, Akhannouch defends his administration's record, pointing to a significant economic recovery in Morocco following the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the implementation of various social programs aimed at enhancing citizens' daily lives.
Among these initiatives are expansions in healthcare services and direct financial assistance for low-income households, despite ongoing challenges posed by climate and drought.
In a recent development within the party leadership, the National Rally of Independents announced in January the nomination of Mohamed Chouki, a member of parliament and CEO of AD Capital, to take over the party leadership in the future.
Chouki, who is not widely known in the public sphere, will face the significant challenge of guiding the party into its next phase without Akhannouch at the helm.
This move, coinciding with expectations for pivotal elections in the fall, opens the door for potential political conflict on the Moroccan stage, making upcoming developments intriguing for both politicians and observers.
