Could Morocco’s football chief Fouzi Lekjaa become its next prime minister? | Elections News
Rabat, Morocco – As Morocco gears up for parliamentary elections scheduled for September 23, the political landscape is dominated by discussions around the recent decision of a prominent public figure to enter partisan politics.
Fouzi Lekjaa, the nation’s minister delegate for the budget and president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), has joined the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM). This decision has sparked considerable debate among political analysts and on social media.
Lekjaa is recognized for his contributions to public finance and the advancement of Moroccan football, having built his career primarily in public administration rather than electoral politics. His entry into PAM is seen not merely as a personal choice but as indicative of a broader transformation within Moroccan politics, where managerial expertise and national development are increasingly viewed as essential for political legitimacy.
Mustafa Ahdar, a researcher in constitutional law and political science at Ibn Zohr University in Agadir, highlighted the significance of Lekjaa’s timing. “Joining a party less than three months before an election is a politically charged decision,” Ahdar noted. He emphasized that under the 2011 Constitution, every Moroccan citizen has the right to join a political party, a principle reaffirmed by former PAM secretary-general Abdellatif Ouahbi. Ahdar, however, pointed out that someone holding both a senior ministerial position and the presidency of the national football federation cannot be equated with an average citizen entering politics.
The timing of Lekjaa’s move also coincides with Morocco’s preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which the country will co-host with Spain and Portugal. The upcoming government is expected to manage significant investments in infrastructure and tourism, leading some commentators to refer to it as Morocco’s “World Cup government.”
Lekjaa’s ascent reflects a trend where effective public officials are viewed as assets in the political sphere. Through his role as budget minister, he has been closely linked with large-scale projects and has played a pivotal role in revitalizing Moroccan football. The Atlas Lions’ groundbreaking performance in the 2022 FIFA World Cup enhanced Morocco’s international reputation and showcased football as a source of national pride.
Yet, Ahdar cautions that this trend raises important questions about the role of political parties. “Political parties should cultivate spaces for citizen engagement and the emergence of future leaders,” he said. “When they increasingly recruit popular figures from outside politics, they risk neglecting that mission.”
Morocco’s political dynamics are also shifting, as voter behavior evolves. While turnout exceeded 50 percent in the 2021 parliamentary elections, about half of eligible voters abstained, reflecting a growing skepticism toward political parties, particularly among younger citizens. Many now express their concerns through social media activism and protests focused on issues like unemployment and rising living costs.
According to Ahdar, the conversation around Lekjaa exemplifies this transformation. Although PAM is part of the current governing coalition and is facing criticism regarding its governance, discourse tends to focus more on Lekjaa’s affiliation than the party’s platform or record.
Morocco’s 2011 Constitution has expanded parliamentary powers while preserving the monarchy’s central role in government formation. The king appoints the head of government from the party that wins the most parliamentary seats, and due to its proportional electoral system, coalition governance is the norm.
Speculation about Lekjaa’s future political role is mounting, despite a lack of official announcements regarding his candidacy for head of government. Ahdar sees similarities between Lekjaa and Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, both of whom joined partisan politics after establishing themselves outside traditional party frameworks.
Founded in 2008, PAM positions itself as a modernizing force focused on institutional reform and economic development. However, it has also faced allegations of corruption and abuse among some elected officials. Recruiting Lekjaa may bolster PAM’s image as a competent party and shift attention from criticisms of its economic performance.
While administrative competence can enhance political credibility, governing requires more than just managerial skill. Morocco confronts persistent challenges, including high unemployment, education issues, regional disparities, and rising costs of living. Nouh El Harmouzi, head of the Arab Center for Research, attributes the attention surrounding Lekjaa’s political move to his rare combination of experience in public finance and institutional management.
As debates around Lekjaa’s move ripple through the political landscape, they have garnered interest among Moroccans abroad. Touria Guerraoui, a Moroccan-French technology expert, noted that the diaspora is particularly invested in Lekjaa’s shift to PAM due to his popularity stemming from football successes.
“Many Moroccans abroad are closely following the national team’s achievements and feel connected to that success,” she said, adding that the trend of influential senior officials entering politics is not unique to Morocco, citing French President Emmanuel Macron as an example.
The resonance of Morocco’s football achievements extends into the diaspora, prompting questions about whether the administrative effectiveness demonstrated in sports can translate into the expected economic and social progress.
