In a recent episode of the program "Guest and Journey," Jamal Aghmani, former Moroccan Minister of Employment and Vocational Training, joined us from the capital city of Rabat. Currently, he serves as an advisor focused on promoting social dialogue across several Mediterranean countries. During this insightful discussion, Aghmani reflected on significant milestones from his personal and political career while addressing the political transformations within Morocco, particularly the ongoing crisis of trust in political parties.
Aghmani kicked off the conversation by referencing the title of his newly published memoir, "Today’s Morocco is Not Yesterday’s Morocco," which encapsulates the profound changes that have taken place in the country between his generation and the younger ones. He noted that this phrase, attributed to the late socialist leader Abderrahim Bouabid, carries a hopeful message about reform and change, suggesting that Morocco is evolving and that the approach to its democratic experience must evolve as well.
New Aspirations from a New Generation
The former minister highlighted the disparities between his generation and the current Moroccan youth, emphasizing the significant transformations in society and access to global communication. He remarked that today’s Moroccan youth harbor new aspirations, asserting that Morocco must make substantial efforts to meet the expectations of this generation, who view their achievements through a lens distinct from that of previous generations.
Reflecting on his modest upbringing in Rabat, where his father worked as a taxi driver and his mother benefited from literacy programs, Aghmani described how education was a central priority for his family despite their limited resources. He fondly recalled, "One of the hallmarks of our parents' generation was their commitment to their children’s education," recalling how his parents enabled their six children to pursue higher education.
Transitioning from family influences to academia, Aghmani reminisced about his years at Mohammed V University in Rabat during a time when Moroccan universities were limited in number yet served as crucial spaces for intellectual, political, and cultural discussions. He was an active member of the National Union of Moroccan Students, a role he believes was instrumental in nurturing generations of Moroccan leaders and elites. "The National Union of Moroccan Students was a true school," he emphasized, indicating that it not only cultivated political elites but also contributed to the formation of labor, cultural, administrative, and media elites.
The Challenges of Political Leadership
Discussing the political leaders who defined his generation, Aghmani mentioned prominent figures from the national movement and political landscape, particularly Abderrahim Bouabid and Abderrahman Youssoufi. He noted that the historical context that shaped these leaders differs significantly from today's realities, stating, "It is difficult today to produce elites like Abderrahman Youssoufi and Abderrahim Bouabid," as these figures emerged during the national movement, independence, and the establishment of the democratic choice.
Youssoufi holds a special place in Aghmani's reflections; he regarded Youssoufi as a pivotal figure who successfully transitioned from opposition to participation in public affairs, affirming, "History attests that Abderrahman Youssoufi is one of the most prominent prime ministers in Morocco’s history." On an academic note, Aghmani paid tribute to his sociology professor, the late Mohamed Joussou, who is recognized as one of the founders of sociology in Morocco, recalling his profound impact on generations of students and researchers.
Aghmani's political journey began at a young age, becoming involved with the Federation of the United Socialist Youth in the mid-1970s. Growing up in the Kbabate neighborhood of Rabat, known for its sympathy towards the National Union of Popular Forces and then the Socialist Union, he transitioned that sympathy into active political engagement. He characterized that period as radically different from the present, stating, "We lived in a time when political struggle was challenging," especially for a young person choosing to join a leftist party.
Despite the vast differences between Morocco then and now, Aghmani believes that the transformations have not always reached the aspirations of generations of activists, particularly regarding the establishment of robust democratic institutions that earn citizens' trust.
Aghmani's governmental experience marked another significant phase in his career when he held the position of Minister of Employment and Vocational Training from 2007 to 2012. This transition to a ministerial role presented him with a new challenge: how to translate political and social ideas into actionable measures from a position of authority. He reflected on his concerns upon taking office, questioning, "As a social democrat, what can I achieve in the fields of employment and vocational training?" His five years in government were marked by both challenges and achievements, especially in a sector where the demands of labor unions and workers intersect with the expectations of employers, necessitating a continuous search for balance among various stakeholders.
The dialogue shifted to the Moroccan political scene in 2011 with the rise of the Justice and Development Party to power, marking a decade-long period that was significant in the political life of Morocco. Evaluating this tenure, Aghmani remarked, "Over ten years, the results did not meet the expectations placed on the Justice and Development Party," recalling several issues that arose during this period, including pension reforms and education. For him, a decade in power was ample time to deliver more substantial results, given the high expectations that accompanied the party's arrival in government.
The conversation also addressed the pressing issue of the crisis of trust between citizens and political parties, particularly with the upcoming legislative elections in late September 2026. Aghmani commented on the phenomenon of political migrations, where candidates switch parties between elections. He argued that "political migration has become unacceptable in Morocco, disrupting the democratic experience," as it creates confusion for citizens who struggle to understand why a candidate who previously ran under one political banner would switch to another in subsequent elections. Such practices, according to Aghmani, tarnish the image of political work and undermine its credibility, making political reform essential for restoring the role of political actors and regaining citizens' trust.
As the election campaign approaches, Aghmani expressed hope that it would serve as an opportunity to reconnect citizens with political engagement, stating, "I hope the election campaign will be an occasion to mobilize citizens, but with honest methods, transparent discourse, and actionable programs."
Aghmani also expressed pride in several initiatives and approaches he championed during his governmental tenure, particularly in vocational training and linking education to the needs of economic and investment sectors. He highlighted training programs related to the automotive and aviation industries, emphasizing that the availability of qualified human resources has significantly enhanced Morocco's appeal to foreign companies and investments. "One of the primary reasons for foreign investment in Morocco is vocational training," he noted, recalling projects linked to training in the automotive and aviation sectors. He also highlighted the integration of gender perspectives within the ministry, reflecting on the increased representation of women in leadership roles. He stated, "When I entered the ministry, there was one female director out of eight; when I left, there were four female directors out of eight."
The episode concluded with a focus on Aghmani's current work promoting social dialogue, leveraging his Moroccan experience to provide consultations in various Arab countries. He believes that Morocco's experience is distinctive in this domain, affirming, "Morocco is one of the Arab countries distinguished in institutionalizing social dialogue as a tool for consensus among social partners." He argued that institutionalizing social dialogue has become a necessity, requiring unions, employers, and the government to treat it as a fundamental part of addressing economic and social issues, rather than merely a temporary mechanism for crisis management. In light of the evolving labor landscape and the challenges posed by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Aghmani envisions that dialogue among various stakeholders will be increasingly vital in the future, urging consideration of it as "one of the essential means of consensus and building the Morocco of tomorrow."
As reported by france24.com.
