Critical Analysis of Public Policy and Economic Direction
As the legislative elections scheduled for September 23 approach, the political landscape in Morocco is buzzing with intense debates regarding public administration and the nation's economic strategies. In this lively campaign environment, Fouzi Lekjaa, a prominent member of the PAM political bureau and the Minister in Charge of the Budget, delivered a remarkable speech in Casablanca. Addressing a gathering of supporters and activists in the Anfa district, Lekjaa presented a forceful discourse emphasizing the urgent need to recalibrate government direction and provide tangible solutions to the pressing needs of citizens, as highlighted by the daily newspaper Al Akhbar in its weekend edition on September 12-13.
Addressing Key Issues: Sheep Imports and Healthcare Reforms
During his speech, Lekjaa tackled one of the most sensitive topics in the current economic and social discourse—the management of the sheep importation plan designed to counteract rising prices ahead of religious celebrations. He pragmatically pointed out the limitations of the actual impact of these public subsidies, steering clear of political controversies surrounding the identities of beneficiaries of these financial aids. Instead, he advocated for a thorough evaluation of state support's effectiveness, stressing that the primary concern should be the optimization of public funds and ensuring that support mechanisms genuinely achieve their socio-economic objectives rather than getting lost in futile debates about profit distribution.
On the vital issue of public health, Lekjaa asserted that deep reforms in the healthcare sector cannot succeed without an effective enhancement of the status of healthcare professionals. Adopting a human-centered approach, he emphasized that the success of social protection expansion and the upgrading of hospital structures is inherently linked to the working conditions and recognition afforded to doctors and nursing staff. He argued that ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare for all Moroccans is fundamentally tied to motivating and mobilizing these frontline workers, who are the backbone of the country’s healthcare system, as noted in Al Akhbar.
Furthermore, Lekjaa addressed the challenges facing the education system and youth employment, asserting that political programs must move beyond mere slogans to confront structural dysfunctions. He highlighted persistent flaws despite significant investments made by the state, illustrated by the ongoing issues of school dropout rates affecting hundreds of thousands of students each year. According to the PAM leader, the reformation of public schooling and aligning education with labor market needs are essential prerequisites for enhancing the employability of younger generations and strengthening the middle class.
On a macroeconomic level, Lekjaa underscored the considerable efforts made to stimulate the national economy through public procurement and the development of transportation infrastructure. From expanding the highway network to modernizing airport facilities to accommodate the anticipated surge in tourism by 2030, the growth momentum must rely on a strengthened synergy with the private sector. In conclusion, he reiterated that the ultimate goal of political and governmental action should remain the service of the nation and its citizens, asserting that the legitimacy of electoral processes finds its true meaning in realizing inclusive and sustainable development.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
