Morocco’s Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch has sharply criticized remarks by Fouzi Lekjaa over major national infrastructure projects, warning politicians against making unrealistic election promises or claiming credit for projects financed and carried out by the state.
Speaking at a campaign rally organized by Akhannouch’s National Rally of Independents, or RNI, in Mediouna province attended by more than 10,000 people, Akhannouch said major development and infrastructure projects belong to the Moroccan state and are carried out under the patronage of King Mohammed VI.
His remarks appeared to target Lekjaa, a political bureau member of the Authenticity and Modernity Party, although Akhannouch did not name him directly.
“We do not want you to make promises and go to cities saying, ‘We brought you the Ben Slimane stadium,’” Akhannouch said, referring to the planned Grand Stadium of Hassan II in Ben Slimane.
He stressed that the stadium’s location was selected by the king and that its construction is being financed with state funds and tax revenues.
“There are people traveling between cities to claim the project for themselves or their party,” Akhannouch said, urging political actors to avoid presenting national projects as individual or party achievements.
Dispute over 2030 World Cup final
Akhannouch also called for restraint in discussions over Morocco’s bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup final as part of the tournament’s joint organization with Spain and Portugal.
He urged politicians to respect Morocco’s partners and avoid announcing election promises before diplomatic consultations and agreements have been reached.
“Do not promise that a major final will be held in Morocco when we have not yet spoken with our allies in Spain and Portugal,” Akhannouch said.
He added that issues involving Morocco’s international partners require caution and respect, criticizing what he described as attempts to turn them into subjects of political competition during the election campaign.
Akhannouch urges caution over government alliances
On domestic politics and possible post-election government alliances, Akhannouch stressed the importance of preserving national stability and avoiding political tensions.
He pointed to Morocco’s constitutional process for forming a government following elections, under which the king appoints the head of government from the political party that finishes first in the parliamentary vote.
Akhannouch also warned ministers and political leaders against describing certain parties as “red lines,” saying such statements could unnecessarily deepen political tensions.
“Never say that a party is a red line,” he told members of his party, arguing that previous attempts to form a governing majority without broader political accommodation had backfired.
“We are not prepared to add fuel to the fire. This is our country and we must protect it,” he said.
Akhannouch defends government record
Akhannouch also defended his government’s record, highlighting measures implemented despite what he described as exceptional circumstances, including drought, the 2023 earthquake and the economic repercussions of international crises.
He pointed to the rollout of direct social assistance, the expansion of health coverage to 88% of the population, housing support and a decline in the unemployment rate.
Akhannouch also forecast stronger economic momentum, saying growth could reach 5.3% this year while inflation remains under control compared with neighboring countries.
Concluding his remarks, Akhannouch defended the government’s record of fulfilling its 2021 commitments.
“What we said we would do, we did. We keep our promises,” he said, calling on political actors to continue working on the ground in the interest of citizens.
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