Morocco's Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch has defended his cabinet's legacy in a campaign rally in Tetouan, northern Morocco. He responded to accusations from the Justice and Development (PJD) party, which alleged his involvement in the misuse of public funds. Akhannouch stated that his government has implemented major social and economic reforms and projects. He highlighted improvements in jobs, education, and healthcare.
Akhannouch cited significant progress in education reforms, with around 80% of schools now classified as "pioneer schools." This initiative aims to boost learning skills and reduce student dropout rates. Education Minister Mohamed Saad Berrada previously reported that nearly 280,000 students abandon school annually, with 160,000 dropping out at the middle school level. Akhannouch also mentioned that the issue of contract teachers has been resolved.
The contract teachers' case dates back to years ago, when protests gathered tens of thousands of teachers urging the government to engage them in the public sector. Akhannouch's government has also addressed the challenge of capping the age of candidates for teacher recruitment exams at 30. PJD leader Abdelilah Benkiran accused the Akhannouch cabinet of committing "many disasters" and stressed that the government's decision is neither legal nor constitutional.
Benkiran also accused Akhannouch of "clock theft," referring to his pledges to abolish GMT +1 if elected. Akhannouch abolished GMT+1 in June, with immediate effects on September 20, just before the elections. Benkiran further accused Akhannouch of "putting his hand in public funds." Akhannouch, however, maintains that his government has seen wage increases and launched direct social assistance and housing assistance.
Akhannouch highlighted that around 80% of citizens are now covered by healthcare. He pledged that if his party is elected, the next phase will see continued reform of labor market meditation mechanisms and the creation of "one million jobs." This promise was previously made during the 2021 elections. Akhannouch's government has also worked to strengthen the foundations of the social state and improve services provided to citizens.
The PJD party has been critical of Akhannouch's government, with Benkiran pledging to abolish the condition of capping the age of candidates for teacher recruitment exams at 30. Akhannouch's defense of his cabinet's legacy comes amid accusations and ahead of Morocco's legislative elections. The head of government has ruled out a new mandate as the leader of the National Rally of Independents (RNI).
Akhannouch's government has seen significant developments in various sectors, including education, healthcare, and employment. The government's initiatives aim to improve services and create opportunities for citizens. As the legislative elections approach, Akhannouch's cabinet continues to face scrutiny from opposition parties like the PJD.
Key points
- Akhannouch's government has implemented major social and economic reforms.
- The PJD party has accused Akhannouch of misuse of public funds and other issues.
- Akhannouch has pledged to create one million jobs and continue reforming labor market mechanisms.
