The recent legislative elections in Morocco have largely gone unnoticed in Spain's news landscape, overshadowed by concerns over a potential surge in immigration coinciding with these elections and the ongoing crisis facing Ceuta nearly two months after the July assault. Within Morocco, the populace has expressed significant discontent towards the political system, as evidenced by an overwhelming abstention rate of 61.9%, marking the highest level of voter apathy in two decades.
It is widely understood that regardless of the electoral outcomes, substantial changes are unlikely to materialize. King Mohammed VI retains the power to appoint key ministers, including those responsible for Interior, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Religious Affairs. Consequently, all significant decisions are funneled through the Royal Palace, rendering the elected government largely symbolic. This phenomenon is often referred to as the _Majzén_, or the "deep state," which truly governs the regime. This select circle comprises oligarchs and childhood friends of Mohammed VI who operate alongside official institutions.
As anticipated, the political party most aligned with the monarchy emerged victorious at the polls. The Party of Authenticity and Modernity (PAM), which has a liberal orientation, secured 97 out of the 395 available seats, as announced by Morocco's Ministry of Interior this Thursday. PAM gained eleven seats compared to the previous elections in 2021, while the National Rally of Independents (RNI), led by outgoing Prime Minister Aziz Ajanuch, has slipped to second place with 66 seats. Given these results, it is highly likely that King Mohammed VI will task PAM with forming a new government.
The PAM was established in 2008 by Fouad Ali El Himma, one of the king's primary advisors. Although the name of Fatima Zahra El Mansouri, the outgoing Minister of Housing, has emerged as a strong candidate for the new cabinet leadership, it is Fouzi Lekjaa, the president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, who has gained significant attention following his recent foray into party politics in 2026. Lekjaa, born in 1970 in Berkane, is associated with the modernization of Moroccan football and the recent triumphs of the national team, known as the Atlas Lions, which earned him the Order of the Throne in 2023.
With a background in agronomy, Lekjaa studied at the prestigious National School of Administration for high-ranking officials. He served as Budget Director at the Ministry of Economy and Finance in 2011, and in October 2021, he was appointed as Minister Delegate for Budget, a position he still holds. Parallel to this, he took on the presidency of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) in 2014, overseeing the construction of significant infrastructures, such as the Mohamed VI Football Academy located between Salé and Rabat.
However, the most significant spotlight came with the announcement of hosting the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. In pursuit of this goal, the government has initiated an ambitious investment program amounting to approximately €200 billion in sports facilities and infrastructure. Notably, the construction of the Hassan II Stadium in Casablanca is underway, with completion expected by 2028. Lekjaa has asserted that this venue will host the World Cup final. Yet, this extensive display of investment has ignited public protests, highlighting the stark inequalities in a country where unemployment hovers around 13%, and youth unemployment reaches a staggering 37%.
Exactly one year ago, the so-called Generation Z took to the streets nationwide to demand the resignation of Ajanuch, who has resisted participating in these elections, accusing him of corruption. Their rallying cry, "Fewer stadiums, more hospitals!", encapsulates the reality faced by the majority of citizens, particularly the youth, who lament the lack of investment in essential services like education and healthcare, while funds are readily allocated for stadium construction. Should the technocrat Lekjaa ascend to the role of Prime Minister, he will need to navigate the discontent of Moroccans while striving to achieve the goal of hosting the World Cup final.
As reported by eldebate.com.
