Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch Declines Third Term in Leadership
In a notable development, Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch declared that he will not seek a third term as head of the "National Rally of Independents" party, indicating he will not lead the government following the parliamentary elections scheduled for this fall.
This announcement was made during a party conference in El Jadida, where Akhannouch stated that his decision was made thoughtfully to honor the party's internal regulations, which limit leadership terms to two consecutive periods.
Akhannouch, who has served as Prime Minister since 2021, emphasized that his choice underscores his commitment to the democratic principles upheld by his party, which he has led for over a decade.
In his address, he remarked: "This is a serious decision that has been carefully considered, and I assure everyone that I will not run again, in respect of the party's principles."
The timing of this decision is significant, as Morocco has recently experienced protests led by youth from the "Generation Z 212" group, who are advocating for improvements in health and education services.
These protests, which began in late September and October of the previous year, highlighted demands for better living standards and essential services.
In response to these societal pressures, the government has increased the budget for social sectors for 2026, although calls for Akhannouch's resignation persist from opposition parties.
Despite these challenges, Akhannouch defends his administration's record, noting a marked recovery in the Moroccan economy post-COVID-19, along with the implementation of various social programs aimed at enhancing citizens' daily lives.
These initiatives include expanded health coverage and direct financial support for low-income families, despite ongoing issues related to climate and drought.
In a shift regarding party leadership, the "National Rally of Independents" announced in January the nomination of Mohamed Chouki, a member of parliament and CEO of "AD Capital", as a potential successor to Akhannouch.
Chouki, who is relatively unknown in public circles, faces the challenge of steering the party through the next phase without Akhannouch's leadership.
This development, occurring in the lead-up to pivotal elections in the fall, may signal a potential political struggle in Morocco, drawing the attention of both politicians and analysts alike.
