Addressing Economic Challenges in Morocco's Upcoming Elections
As Morocco approaches its parliamentary elections scheduled for September 23, 2026, the discourse surrounding the rising cost of living has significantly influenced the electoral campaign. The opposition party, the Popular Movement (Mouvement Populaire, MP), is making its case with a campaign slogan of "It's Time." Historically rooted in rural constituencies, the MP is strategically targeting voter demographics that have been adversely affected by the persistent erosion of their purchasing power. The party's Secretary General, Mohamed Ouzzine, emphasizes that the focus of this campaign will not dwell on theoretical debates but rather on concrete interventions in market dynamics, alongside a renewal of the party's leadership.
At the heart of the MP's electoral platform are proposals aimed at directly stabilizing household incomes. A standout demand is the prioritization of domestic supply in the agriculture and fisheries sectors. The party suggests imposing special tariffs on exports of seafood once the quantities exported exceed 50% of the national catch. This measure aims to ensure that the domestic market remains sufficiently supplied, keeping fish prices affordable for the Moroccan populace.
Simultaneously, the MP calls for a new equilibrium between the cultivation of export goods and the production of staple foods. The agricultural strategy includes proposals to forgive debts of small farmers and livestock breeders, as well as linking public subsidies to verifiable targets. Furthermore, to mitigate social hardships, the electoral program proposes the establishment of a so-called social tax account. The MP advocates for a fundamental overhaul of the criteria for state support services, suggesting the removal of rigid numerical indicators that have previously complicated access for widows, divorced women, persons with disabilities, and low-income seniors over the age of 60. Instead, the household's actual total income should be the key factor. Additionally, retirees would need to automatically benefit from any salary increases within the public sector.
Healthcare and Education Reforms: A Vision for Change
The Popular Movement is also advocating for reforms in healthcare. The current insurance system is proposed to be opened up to private providers to enhance competition, while also enforcing the elimination of upfront payments for insured treatments. In the education sector, the party supports the abolition of the age limit of 30 years for entering the teaching profession, the introduction of Saturday as a school-free day, and the provision of free public higher education.
The MP's agenda is deeply rooted in a pragmatic assessment of the societal mood. In an interview with the state news agency MAP, Ouzzine articulated that the primary challenge in this election extends beyond the mere competition for parliamentary seats; it lies in restoring the lost trust of citizens. Previous electoral promises have raised high expectations that were inadequately met in practice, leading to frustration and political disillusionment among the electorate.
In response to this crisis of confidence, Ouzzine distinguishes his party's approach from conventional party platforms. The MP presents not just a vague project but a "contract" consisting of approximately thirty specific measures. According to Ouzzine, these actions do not require vast financial resources but primarily necessitate the political will to implement them. By formalizing this contract, members of parliament are made directly accountable to their constituents.
To fulfill this commitment, the party leadership is focusing on restructuring its organization. The Popular Movement, traditionally seen as a representative of rural populations, has actively opened its doors to academic professionals in recent months. By including qualified candidates such as doctors, engineers, and lawyers on their lists, the party aims to infuse fresh perspectives into its ranks.
However, the renewal process is more complex when it comes to promoting equal opportunities. Ouzzine highlighted that during discussions on electoral law reform, his party has called for special funding and targeted incentives for female candidates at the local level. Yet, the political reality shows that the proportion of female candidates in direct local constituencies remains low, as many women prefer to apply for regional lists. Ouzzine attributes this to persistent biases in a patriarchal society that hinder women's access to local politics.
In addition to domestic reforms, the MP's program includes institutional adjustments for Moroccans living abroad (MRE). The party advocates for completing the institutional representation of the diaspora and initiating a debate on their enhanced political participation in parliament. Specific measures for marginalized societal groups are also proposed, including an expansion of the "RAAFIQ" support program for individuals with autism and the establishment of a national registry aimed at providing targeted social assistance.
Whether the Popular Movement can achieve its goal of rising to the top of parliamentary factions through its market-oriented proposals and personnel rejuvenation will depend on the outcome of the vote on September 23. Although Ouzzine has expressed the intention to assume leadership positions, he remains cautious regarding future governmental coalitions, as negotiations in Morocco traditionally commence only after the election results are announced.
If the party fails to secure a government position, the leadership emphasizes its readiness to take on the role of a constructive opposition. The MP's proposals regarding domestic market regulation and social benefit reforms may set benchmarks for discussions that any future coalition might need to address.
As reported by maghreb-post.de.
