As Morocco prepares for parliamentary elections on September 23, 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 ignited intense debate across the political landscape. Lekjaa, a figure synonymous with Morocco’s public finances and the transformation of football, has become a central point of contention within the nation’s increasingly complex political system. His move represents a significant shift in Morocco’s political dynamics, where managerial competence, state-led development, and national prestige are increasingly viewed as crucial sources of political legitimacy. The timing of this decision is particularly noteworthy, given the government formed after the election – a period expected to oversee Morocco’s preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which will co-host Spain and Portugal. With a projected investment of billions in infrastructure, transport, and tourism, commentators are increasingly framing the next administration as Morocco’s ‘World Cup government,’ one likely to be judged on its ability to deliver the tournament as much as traditional economic indicators. Lekjaa’s rise reflects a broader trend in Morocco and beyond, where successful public officials are increasingly becoming political assets, particularly within the realm of football. As budget minister, he became closely associated with major infrastructure and investment projects, and emerged as a central figure in Morocco’s renaissance in football. Lekjaa’s position suggests a broader shift in Moroccan politics, where the roles of managerial competence, state-led development, and national prestige are increasingly prioritized as sources of political influence. The Atlas Lions’ historic run to the semifinals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup fundamentally transformed Morocco’s international image, strengthened its soft power across Africa and the Arab world, and cemented football as a symbol of national ambition and institutional effectiveness. For Ahdar, a researcher in constitutional law and political science at Ibn Zohr University in Agadir, Lekjaa joined PAM less than three months before the elections, making the timing politically significant. “From a constitutional perspective, every Moroccan citizen is free to join any political party under the 2011 Constitution,” Ahdar said, noting that former PAM secretary-general Abdellatif Ouahbi has publicly reaffirmed this principle. “However, someone who simultaneously heads the national football federation and occupies a senior ministerial position cannot realistically be viewed in the same way as an ordinary citizen entering politics.” The timing matters significantly, as the government formed after the election will oversee Morocco’s preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal. With a projected investment of billions in infrastructure, transport, and tourism, the debate surrounding Lekjaa’s role has intensified, with analysts suggesting the next administration will be heavily focused on the tournament’s success. Lekjaa’s position is expected to be a major point of contention, despite no official indication of his being considered for head of government. He noted that some social media users had even joked that ‘Lekjaa attracted PAM rather than PAM attracting Lekjaa,’ reflecting 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. He added that some 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. 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. Touria Guerraoui, a Moroccan-French technology expert, believes Lekjaa’s administrative profile nevertheless explains the attention surrounding his political move. “Few senior officials combine his experience in public finance, institutional management, and strategic planning,” he said. “The next government will face enormous budgetary pressures alongside growing geopolitical and economic risks while simultaneously delivering one of the largest projects in Morocco’s modern history: the 2030 FIFA World Cup.” The debate has also attracted attention among Moroccans abroad. Touria Guerraoui 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. “A large part of Morocco’s football team comes from the diaspora, and their achievements have generated enormous pride,” she said. “But many people are now asking whether the effectiveness demonstrated in football administration can also be translated into the economic and social progress that Moroccans expect.”
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Source: Al Jazeera Africa
