Massive Gathering in Marrakech as PAM Prepares for Elections
On Wednesday, thousands of supporters from the Marrakech-Safi region came together for a significant rally organized by the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), just hours before the official launch of their electoral campaign for the legislative elections scheduled on September 23. The highlight of the event was the presence of Fouzi Lekjaa, who criticized the current government's trajectory. Meanwhile, Fatima-Zahra Mansouri defended her party's governmental record, asserting that it operates without conflicts of interest. As the PAM gears up for the elections, they are projecting an ambitious goal of leading the next government.
PAM's Prominent Show of Strength
The PAM chose Marrakech as the backdrop for a powerful demonstration of support ahead of the official election campaign launch. The call to rally resonated across all eight provinces within the Marrakech-Safi region. This event is part of a national tour that has already seen PAM leadership visit cities such as Berkane, Dakhla, and Azilal. As evening approached, buses filled with provincial sections and young supporters adorned with blue scarves converged on the rally venue, where the party had set up a prominent stage. The packed hall, filled with early-arriving delegations, echoed chants of loyalty, such as “We will not betray; with Mansouri, we will remain,” and “Marrakech, the citadel of PAM,” in anticipation of the leaders’ arrival.
The President of the Marrakech-Safi Regional Council, Samir Goudar, kicked off the meeting by reviewing achievements since 2021, emphasizing continuity from the previous mandate, which was met with applause from the audience. He highlighted a major agreement with the Ministry of Equipment worth nearly 4 billion dirhams aimed at upgrading the regional road network, particularly the expansion of routes connecting Marrakech to Safi, Kelâat Sraghna, and Agadir via Chichaoua. Goudar also mentioned an additional allocation of 2 billion dirhams secured with the Ministry of Housing, along with a partnership worth 5 billion dirhams with the Ministry of Interior to ensure access to clean drinking water in the most isolated areas of the region. He concluded with mentions of a planned high-speed rail connection between Marrakech and Benguerir, a city bus network overhaul, a new conference center, and a university slated to open in Safi.
The PAM claims its presence across all 92 local electoral constituencies, with regional secretary Tarik Hanich reminding attendees that Marrakech is the stronghold of a party founded by individuals from this very region. The atmosphere shifted dramatically when Fouzi Lekjaa took the stage. Recently appointed to the party's political bureau, Lekjaa received a rousing welcome, reminiscent of the cheers reserved for the Moroccan national football team. He humorously acknowledged the relentless enthusiasm of regional leaders, particularly noting how Goudar has been calling him every morning at 7:30 for the past two weeks, humorously questioning when Goudar finds time to rest.
Expressing their electoral ambitions, Lekjaa boldly declared, “We want to break all records in the Marrakech-Safi region,” signaling high expectations for a significant victory on the night of September 23, bolstered by the turnout at the rally and the party's deep-rooted connections in the region. The crowd responded enthusiastically with chants of “Government, here we come!” for several minutes. Lekjaa further advocated for a campaign focused on engaging with voters, urging that the discourse over the next two weeks should prioritize programmatic discussions and their financing rather than partisan confrontations. He emphasized the need to put an end to trivial disputes, advocating for unity in addressing Moroccan issues.
In addressing criticisms regarding his party's program development process, Lekjaa defended their approach, asserting that their initiatives are about addressing public needs rather than personal interests. He also articulated a vision for an emerging Morocco that ensures dignity and fosters economic growth capable of reducing unemployment. The party, through its leaders, expressed readiness to consider proposals from other parties, including a suggestion from the National Rally of Independents (RNI) to raise the minimum wage to 5,000 dirhams, while firmly rejecting accusations of opportunism. Lekjaa reserved his strongest comments for the distribution of government responsibilities, decrying practices that alienate youth from political engagement.
Earlier in the evening, Mansouri, the mayor of Marrakech and the national coordinator of PAM's collegiate leadership, defended her party's governmental record, describing it as honorable and free from conflicts of interest or the exchange of personal privileges. She outlined advancements in medical coverage, direct social assistance, and housing support, crediting these achievements to a tax reform that created necessary resources. She also highlighted the Pass Jeunes initiative, aimed at easing transportation costs and expanding access to various benefits. Mansouri addressed reforms in the justice system led by Abdellatif Ouahbi and the adoption of long-stalled legislation, asserting that PAM has adhered to its governing commitments without deviation as the election approaches. She concluded her remarks by celebrating the 18-year history of the party, now further strengthened by the recent affiliations of Fouzi Lekjaa and Minister Azzedine El Midaoui. In just two and a half hours, the PAM effectively conveyed its messages on the eve of an election campaign that will culminate in the verdict of the voters on September 23.
As reported by leseco.ma.
