Aziz Akhannouch raises questions about changes in Morocco's government
Ministerial reshuffles after the end of a government's term are common in Morocco, especially if the second term is linked to upcoming elections. Aziz Akhannouch is expected to present the results of the government's work during his current term: public health programmes targeting the vulnerable and poor (social welfare, housing aid, etc.) and rural areas, and the fight against unemployment and the results of the social dialogue with the trade union centres.
Previous heads of government presented the results of government groups through bills and government actions passed in the middle of their two- to three-year terms, as the 2011 Constitution stipulated that the prime minister could present preliminary results to Parliament.
This approach involves investigations into the implementation of ministerial reshuffles, especially in underperforming ministries or without Moroccan popular approval.
Sharifa Lamoir: "Cabinet changes are an important step to reduce pressure on the streets".
Reasons for change
Political scientist Sharifa Lamoir argued that the government reshuffle was necessary due to the severity of the problems facing the Moroccan environment, including high prices, drought and strikes in some sectors, especially education.
Government sources confirmed to Al-Arab that the issue of changing the government has been discussed for some time, but has not yet been closed, especially as the prime minister is trying to maintain consensus among the majority parties. Despite the difficulties that sometimes accompany inconsistencies, considering some key questions.
In addition, decisions on the timing and nature of changes in government and governance will depend on political indicators and the will of the parties after a series of negotiations where projects to avoid confusion, such as family law, which is discussed in various political and civic events, and the issue of strikes in the education sector, are being addressed.
In a statement to the Al-Arab newspaper, Lemoir explained that the cabinet reshuffle was an important step towards reducing the pressure on the streets of Morocco and all indications were that it could accelerate changes that would bring new dynamism to the government and to Morocco.
Which ministers will be replaced?
Ministerial reshuffles after the end of a government term are common in Morocco, especially if the second term is linked to electoral rights.
Observers believe that the Minister of Basic National Education, Chakib Benmoussa, performed below expectations and failed to prevent strikes in the education sector. Higher Education Minister Abdellatif Merawi and Agriculture, Marine Fisheries, Rural Development, Water Resources and Forestry Minister Mohamed al-Seddiqi also underperformed. However, Justice Minister Abdul Latif Wehbe is unlikely to make any changes due to his status as leader of the Authenticity and Modernity Party. His resignation would be an embarrassment for the party.
If coalition leaders agree on the next constitutional change and the number of ministers to retire, the prime minister is expected to submit a request to King Mohammed VI, who has constitutional authority. After signing an alliance document with the Progressive Socialist Party last weekend to coordinate the defence of the Democratic Forces, the Socialist People's Army coalition has no plans to join the current government's ministers.
The leaders of both parties declared: "Aziz Akhannouch's government is politically weak and ineffective in achieving its goals, does not listen well to the citizens, does not engage them and does not manage public affairs in a purely technical manner, leading to a diminished role for both.
In a statement to the Al-Arab newspaper, Lamoir believes that a new party, which does not have a significant presence in parliament, could join the ruling coalition without confirming the Socialist Union Party's intention to participate.