Morocco's Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch Declines Bid for Third Term

In a surprising move, Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch declared that he will not pursue a third term as head of the "National Rally of Independents," indicating he will not lead the government in the forthcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for autumn.

This announcement was made during a party conference in the coastal city of El Jadida, where Akhannouch stated that this decision was made thoughtfully to adhere to the party's internal regulations, which limit leaders to two consecutive terms.

Akhannouch, a businessman who has been in office since 2021, emphasized that his choice reflects his commitment to the democratic values upheld by his party, which he has led for over a decade.

In his speech, he remarked: "This is a serious decision that has been deeply contemplated, 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 the country has experienced protests led by youth from the "Generation Z 212" group, demanding improvements in healthcare and education services.

These protests, which began in late September and October of last year, have centered around calls for better living standards and enhanced basic services.

In response to these pressures, the government has increased the budget for social sectors for 2026, but opposition calls for Akhannouch's resignation have persisted.

Despite these challenges, Akhannouch defends his government’s record, noting that the Moroccan economy has shown significant recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside the implementation of various social programs aimed at improving citizens' daily lives.

Among these initiatives are the expansion of healthcare coverage and direct financial aid to low-income families, despite ongoing climate challenges and droughts.

In a new direction for the party, the "National Rally of Independents" announced in January the nomination of Mohamed Chouki, a parliamentary member and CEO of "AD Capital," to take over the party leadership in the future.

Chouki, who is not widely known in public circles, will face a significant challenge in steering the party into its next phase without Akhannouch at the helm.

This development, coinciding with the anticipation of critical elections in the autumn, opens the door to potential political conflict in Morocco, raising interest among politicians and observers alike.