Political Tensions in Morocco's Government Ahead of 2026 Elections
As Morocco approaches its legislative elections, significant tensions are surfacing within the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch. The National Rally of Independents (RNI), represented by Mohamed Aujjar, a member of its political bureau, has openly criticized the ministers from the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) and the Istiqlal Party, accusing them of shirking their governmental responsibilities. This verbal exchange has reignited a longstanding practice in Moroccan politics: criticizing the executive while simultaneously sitting within it.
During a recent RNI meeting held in Oujda, attended by Akhannouch and several party ministers, Aujjar expressed that it is "politically unacceptable" for certain ministers to address issues such as inflation and employment as if they were not part of the government. This statement highlights a growing disconnect within the coalition, as Aujjar emphasized that these positions contradict the principle of collective responsibility that is expected from all members of the government.
This conflict follows remarks made by Fouzi Lekjaa, who accused the RNI of contributing to the decline in Moroccans' purchasing power and perpetuating a "two-speed Morocco." He specifically cited the failed livestock import subsidy, which did not stabilize sheep prices for the upcoming Eid al-Adha.
Aujjar responded by asserting that discussions surrounding inflation must be linked to the distribution of governmental responsibilities, noting that the RNI does not oversee the ministries of Industry and Commerce or Employment, which are managed by Istiqlal and PAM ministers, respectively. This exchange underscores the fragile nature of the coalition and the challenges it faces as the elections draw nearer.
A Historical Perspective on Political Dynamics in Morocco
The tendency for parties to assume an oppositional stance while remaining in government is not new in Moroccan politics. This practice can be traced back to the early years of the Alternation period. From 1998 to 2000, the Istiqlal party, under Abbas El Fassi, openly criticized Prime Minister Abderrahmane El Youssoufi’s cabinet, particularly targeting the slow pace of reforms. However, this criticism ceased following a cabinet reshuffle that saw El Fassi appointed as Minister of Employment.
Similarly, the RNI adopted a comparable opposition posture during Abbas El Fassi’s government from late 2007 until early 2012, with its then-president Salaheddine Mezouar frequently highlighting the lack of cohesion within the ruling coalition. Later, under the Benkirane I administration, the Istiqlal party, led by Hamid Chabat, also took on the role of internal critic, which ultimately led to its withdrawal from the executive in 2013.
After a period of relative stability under the Benkirane II cabinet, divisions reemerged during Saadeddine El Othmani’s government, with the RNI resuming its role as the internal dissenter from 2017 until the September 8, 2021 elections. As these historical patterns continue to manifest, it remains to be seen how the current tensions will impact the upcoming electoral landscape in Morocco.
As reported by yabiladi.com.
