Fouzi Lekjaâ : "Premier ministre ? Je vais vous dire une chose, je n'y ai jamais réfléchi"

Summary of Main Arguments & Commentary

• Entry into politics and timing (July 25): Fouzi Lekjaa explains that his political engagement begins on July 25. He frames this as a personal, logical step in his career path. His mission ends on September 23, after which he says he will remain at the service of his king and country regardless of future role.

• Why politics (not “a political battle”): He argues he has long-standing proximity to political action through past government service and continuous contact with parliamentary life, which he describes as shaping his experience and vision. He also says he chose to join the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) because, over nearly 18 years, it has shown a dynamic of opening space to new generations and debate.

• Reaction to criticisms and “image risk”: Lekjaa responds that public management roles often attract criticism regardless of the actor. He emphasizes the importance of staying focused on delivering concrete results from public strategies, rather than avoiding controversy.

• Tensions with the majority and RNI-related statements: The referenced video discusses a dispute involving the RNI (National Rally of Independents)—including claims about “political transhumance/poaching” and assertions that Lekjaa would not become Minister of Economy and Finance if the RNI remains dominant. Lekjaa rejects these comments as unacceptable and states that football references and FIFA analogies have no place in political debate. He draws a boundary between political disagreement and the politicization of ethical sports rules and FIFA’s role.

• Approach within PAM (collegiality and discipline): He says his goal is not to seek early leadership for its own sake, but to help PAM succeed in the September 23 legislative elections. He acknowledges internal deviations have occurred not only in PAM (but elsewhere), and argues that PAM should strengthen mechanisms to address misconduct early and fairly.

• Position/leadership and rumors of being “groomed”: Asked whether he aims to become Prime Minister (as many Moroccans speculate), he repeatedly denies personal ambition. He emphasizes service and adds that after elections the constitutional process will take over—particularly the king’s prerogative to choose a Prime Minister from the winning party.

• Candidacy and Berrechid/Berkan reversal: He clarifies he never announced a candidacy for his hometown as an electoral bid. The stated reasons include:

  • absence of an electoral agreement on representation,
  • a long-term commitment to his province that is not based on family-based political representation,
  • a principle opposing family-centered/household political representation (including across multiple family members),
  • and the belief that political service should not be limited to one territory when he wants to serve all regions.

• What PAM should become and government goal: Lekjaa argues that joining PAM is meant to help the party return to politics differently, strengthening its “raison d’être.” He outlines a trajectory in which PAM could become the largest force and potentially lead government after September 23—something he says PAM has not yet achieved.

• Policy focus: unequal benefits of growth: He stresses Morocco’s economic transformation but highlights the social gap: high youth unemployment (cited as 37%), frustration among poorer segments, inflation pressures, and strain on basic services (health, education). He proposes expanding the idea of a “welfare state” beyond only social security and cash/direct transfers—toward better-quality schools, healthcare systems, and social dignity/inclusion.

• Football World Cup 2030 and development acceleration: He presents World Cup 2030 as a culmination of development work already underway, and suggests it will act as a lever to align and accelerate investment deadlines (high-speed rail, highways, airports, ports). He also argues it will create intense employment and support youth entrepreneurship by turning startups into SMEs.

• CAS appeal over AFCON 2025 final (Senegal complaint): Lekjaa uses a legalistic tone and expresses optimism that Morocco’s position is supported by the rules. He claims football regulations were violated and notes that FIFA later changed rules after the incident (sanctioning players who leave the field). He describes October 8 as the first CAS hearing step, with further hearings possible before a final ruling.

• Support for Gianni Infantino (FIFA presidential election): When asked why he openly supports Gianni Infantino despite controversy and division, he responds that FIFA governance should evolve while keeping football united. He says this support fits a broader strategy and that he has been in ongoing discussions with key football stakeholders (including UEFA and club association leadership).

Presenters / Contributors

• Fouzi Lekjaa