The governor of Bank of Morocco, Abdellatif Jouaheri, has canceled a press conference that was set to take place on September 22, 2026, following the bank's quarterly council meeting. According to a statement released by the central bank, the decision was made to ensure the institution's neutrality during the election period. The press conference was a regular event that followed each council meeting, where Jouaheri would address questions from journalists on various topics, including monetary policy and economic issues.
The cancellation of the press conference is seen as a move to avoid being drawn into the country's electoral politics, with various parties making campaign promises and unveiling their programs. Jouaheri has been known to advocate for fiscal discipline and prudence, often expressing concerns about the country's public finances. By canceling the press conference, the central bank aims to maintain its independence and avoid taking a stance on the various election programs.
The decision to cancel the press conference was made in consideration of the timing, which coincided with the final hours of the election campaign. The central bank will instead release a statement after the council meeting, along with publishing its monetary policy report. This move is seen as a way to maintain the bank's neutrality and avoid making any statements that could be perceived as influencing the election outcome.
Jouaheri has a history of advocating for fiscal responsibility, having experienced the challenges of implementing austerity measures as finance minister under King Hassan II. He has consistently emphasized the need for Morocco to avoid excessive borrowing and maintain a stable financial situation. In the context of the upcoming elections, Jouaheri's decision to cancel the press conference may be seen as a way to avoid commenting on the various parties' economic programs.
The central bank's decision has been seen as a way to maintain its institutional neutrality and avoid being drawn into the country's electoral politics. By not engaging in discussions on the various parties' programs, Jouaheri aims to preserve the bank's independence and maintain its focus on monetary policy and financial stability. The bank's move is also seen as a way to avoid potential criticism or controversy that may arise from commenting on the election programs.
The election period in Morocco has seen various parties making campaign promises and unveiling their programs, with some making ambitious economic pledges. Jouaheri's decision to cancel the press conference may be seen as a way to avoid being drawn into discussions on these programs, which may have significant implications for the country's economic policy. By maintaining its neutrality, the central bank aims to ensure that its decisions are not influenced by short-term political considerations.
The cancellation of the press conference is not expected to have a significant impact on the country's financial markets, as the central bank's monetary policy decisions are typically announced through official statements. The bank's move is seen as a way to maintain its institutional neutrality and ensure that its decisions are guided by its mandate to maintain financial stability and promote economic growth.
Key points
- The governor of Bank of Morocco, Abdellatif Jouaheri, canceled a press conference scheduled for September 22, 2026, citing the need to maintain institutional neutrality during the election period.
