On September 20, 2026, Moroccan Prime Minister and head of the National Rally of Independents (RNI) Aziz Akhannouch addressed a large rally in Tetouan, where he defended his party's economic and social record. In front of around 13,000 people, Akhannouch highlighted his government's achievements, including a doubling of the healthcare budget and salary increases for public and private sector workers, as well as farmers.
Akhannouch also emphasized the extension of medical coverage to 80% of the population and direct housing and family assistance. He praised the government's responsiveness to recent crises, including inflation, drought, and the aftermath of an earthquake, noting that support was provided to farmers, the transportation sector, and affected households. The Prime Minister's speech was part of the RNI's campaign for the 2026 legislative elections.
Looking to the future, Akhannouch made several commitments to continue the momentum. He promised to support education by introducing a tax deduction of 5,000 dirhams for private school fees, alongside the development of pioneering schools. He also expressed a desire to raise the minimum wage to 5,000 dirhams through social dialogue and improve eligibility criteria for direct social assistance.
Akhannouch vowed to reform the employment sector to create one million sustainable jobs, attributing current difficulties to ineffective intermediation in the labor market rather than a lack of opportunities. He used a football metaphor to mock his opponents, saying they had failed to deliver on their promises, likening them to defensive players who only tackle rather than score goals.
The Prime Minister contrasted his party's approach with that of his opponents, stating that the RNI and its activists continued to score points with citizens due to their sincerity and loyalty to the country. He called on Moroccans to vote massively in the upcoming elections and to avoid leaving seats vacant for those who did not deserve them.
Akhannouch urged his supporters to maintain a calm and democratic demeanor in the final stages of the campaign. He expressed satisfaction with the high level of engagement on the ground, surpassing that of previous campaigns, and concluded his speech by expressing confidence in his party's ability to achieve its ambitions for Morocco.
The rally in Tetouan was part of Akhannouch's efforts to boost his party's standing ahead of the legislative elections. With his characteristic wit and criticism of opponents, Akhannouch sought to energize his supporters and demonstrate his government's commitment to addressing the country's challenges.
Key points
- Akhannouch defends RNI's economic and social record at a rally in Tetouan.
- He taunts opponents, likening them to defensive football players who fail to score goals.
- Akhannouch makes several commitments, including raising the minimum wage and creating one million sustainable jobs.
