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The decision by Fouzi Lekjaa, Morocco’s minister delegate for the budget and president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), to join the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) has prompted intense debate across the political class and social media.
Best known for his role in public finance and the transformation of Moroccan football, Lekjaa built his reputation in public administration rather than electoral politics.
His move represents more than a simple party affiliation. It reflects a broader shift in Moroccan politics, where managerial competence, state-led development and national prestige are becoming increasingly important sources of political legitimacy.
Mustafa Ahdar, a researcher in constitutional law and political science at Ibn Zohr University in Agadir, told Al Jazeera that Lekjaa joined PAM less than three months before the elections, making the timing politically significant.
The timing matters for another reason: the government formed after the election will oversee Morocco’s preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will cohost with Spain and Portugal.
With billions expected to be invested in infrastructure, transport and tourism, commentators have increasingly described the next administration as Morocco’s “World Cup government”, one likely to be judged as much by its ability to deliver the tournament as by traditional economic indicators.
From party politics to performance politics.
Lekjaa’s rise reflects a broader trend in Morocco and beyond, where successful public officials are increasingly becoming political assets in their own right.
As budget minister, he became closely associated with major infrastructure and investment projects while emerging as a central figure in Morocco’s football renaissance.
The Atlas Lions’ historic run to the semifinals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup transformed Morocco’s international image, strengthened its soft power across Africa and the Arab world, and made football a symbol of national ambition and institutional effectiveness.
For Ahdar, however, the trend raises deeper questions about the role of political parties.
Morocco’s political evolution also reflects changing voter behaviour.
Turnout exceeded 50 percent in the 2021 parliamentary elections, yet nearly half of eligible voters still abstained.
Many analysts argue that this reflects scepticism towards political parties rather than a lack of political interest, particularly among younger Moroccans, who increasingly express their concerns through social media activism and protests over unemployment, rising living costs and public services.
According to Ahdar, the debate surrounding Lekjaa illustrates this shift.
He noted that some social media users had even joked that “Lekjaa attracted PAM rather than PAM attracting Lekjaa”, reflecting what he described as the growing personification of politics.
Morocco’s 2011 Constitution expanded the powers of parliament while maintaining the monarchy’s central role in government formation. Under Article 47, the king appoints the head of government from the party winning the largest number of parliamentary seats.
Morocco’s proportional electoral system almost always produces coalition governments, making post-election negotiations nearly as important as the vote itself.
Speculation over Lekjaa’s future political role has intensified, despite no official indication that he is being considered for head of government.
Ahdar also sees parallels with Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, who entered partisan politics after establishing himself outside traditional party structures.
He added that observers will naturally ask whether such moves reflect genuine political conviction or primarily pragmatic political calculation.
Founded in 2008, PAM presents itself as a modernising political force focused on institutional reform, regional development and economic modernisation. The party has also faced corruption and abuse-of-office controversies involving some of its elected officials.
For PAM, recruiting a figure associated with effective governance and football success may reinforce its image as a party of competence while helping shift attention from criticism of the governing coalition’s economic record.
Between legitimacy and expectations.
Administrative competence can strengthen political credibility, but governing requires more than managerial efficiency. Morocco continues to face major challenges, including unemployment, education, healthcare, regional inequalities and rising living costs.
Nouh El Harmouzi, head of the Arab Center for Research, believes Lekjaa’s administrative profile nevertheless explains the attention surrounding his political move.
The debate has also attracted attention among Moroccans abroad.
Touria Guerraoui, a Moroccan-French technology expert, said the diaspora has followed Lekjaa’s political move with particular interest because of his popularity through football.
She argued that Morocco is not unique in seeing influential senior state officials enter politics, pointing to French President Emmanuel Macron, who entered national politics after a career in the private sector and public administration.
Fontes
Informação baseada em material público de Al Jazeera, reescrito pela redação ULTRA NOTÍCIAS.
