The recent announcement of Fawzi Lekjaâ, the appointed minister responsible for budgetary matters and the president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, joining the political bureau of the Party of Authenticity and Modernity (PAM) has brought to light the profound structural fragility of Morocco's democratic process. This pivotal move comes merely weeks ahead of the upcoming legislative elections scheduled for September 23, 2026, effectively dispelling the uncertainties that have lingered over the political landscape in recent months. It starkly illustrates the intricacies of political maneuvering orchestrated by administrative and royal institutions aimed at reshaping the party and parliamentary scene according to a predetermined design.
The integration of a figure like Lekjaâ, who embodies both financial expertise and sports administration, into PAM is far from being a mere political event; it signals a disturbing trend that intertwines power, wealth, and sports, reducing politics to mere transactional alliances that transform the electoral process into a mere reflection of prevailing power dynamics and influence.
Electoral Cartography: From Programmatic Democracy to a 'Transfer Market'
This development serves as yet another nail in the coffin of representative democracy in Morocco. It reveals how political parties have devolved into mere 'administrative vessels' devoid of ideological substance and societal programs, becoming conduits for attracting centers of influence and administrative figures in the lead-up to elections. As noted by various political analysts and members of parliament, including Fatima Tamani of the Left Federation, the forthcoming political map will not be determined by the votes or convictions of the citizens but rather by the ability to consolidate networks of influence and leverage state resources.
The transformation of party affiliation from a principled choice reflecting community projects into a mere 'endorsement card' for accessing decision-making bodies highlights the deep crisis that government parties face in convincing the public. This situation underscores their reliance on technocratic and influential figures, rather than grassroots engagement. The elevation of Lekjaâ to a leadership position within PAM showcases an alarming overlap between administrative management, public spending, and the political exploitation of the sports arena. His role in the Royal Moroccan Football Federation and the organization of major sporting events, such as the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 and the 2030 World Cup, has not been devoid of political undertones; it has leveraged the public's passion for sports and extensive media visibility to craft a political profile that later positions him prominently in the executive scene.
The allocation of substantial budgets towards sports infrastructure investments has sparked widespread criticism regarding spending priorities, particularly in light of ongoing social crises and austerity measures affecting essential sectors like health and education. This trajectory has culminated in presenting Lekjaâ as a new face for government leadership.
Power Struggles Within the Majority: The Fight of the 'Puppets' and the Prime Ministership
Lekjaâ's affiliation with PAM has unveiled the extent of turmoil and fierce competition among the pillars of the ruling coalition, particularly between PAM and the National Rally of Independents (RNI). This was highlighted by statements from RNI leader Mohamed Aujjar, who attempted to criticize Lekjaâ's move as 'political folly and opportunism,' following his party's failure to attract him. Speculations from the French report, 'Africa Intelligence,' regarding Lekjaâ's preparation for the upcoming premiership reflect the nature of the current political landscape. Lekjaâ, who has ascended through the ranks of the General Inspectorate of Finance and taken charge of the budget, represents the archetype favored by influential circles: technocrats without popular or activist backgrounds, easily directed to pass unpopular decisions and policies under a seemingly party-affiliated guise.
The sudden joining of Fawzi Lekjaâ in the political bureau of PAM and his appointment to lead electoral circles serves as a clear message to Moroccans that the elections on September 23, 2026, are unlikely to alter the status quo. As long as the political game is governed by the equation of 'money, power, and influence,' the continued imposition of technocratic leadership by the palace and the exploitation of sports facades to buy political legitimacy will only deepen public disillusionment and entrench the complete disconnection between the will of the street and the superficial institutions, creating a scenario governed by 'transactional ethics' rather than the ethics of democracy.
As reported by dzair-tube.dz.
