Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch announced on Saturday that he will not seek re-election as head of his party, effectively ruling out a return as prime minister even if his party wins this year’s parliamentary elections.
Akhannouch has led the government since 2021 but faced growing pressure from the Gen Z protest movement, which last year demanded sweeping reforms to Morocco’s health and education sectors.
Speaking at a rally in the coastal city of El Jadida, Akhannouch told members of the National Rally of Independents (RNI) that his decision to step down was “serious and deeply thought through.”
In Morocco, the king traditionally appoints as prime minister the leader of the party that wins parliamentary elections. The next vote is scheduled for late September.
Akhannouch defended his record, highlighting economic recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic, growth, and social programmes, including expanded healthcare coverage and aid to low-income households.
However, the 64-year-old businessman has faced criticism over alleged conflicts of interest tied to his ownership of Afriquia, one of Morocco’s largest fuel station networks.
Youth-led protests calling for Akhannouch’s resignation erupted in September 2025, prompting authorities to pledge increased funding for education and healthcare.
