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Join on Telegram Rabat – Morocco’s Popular Movement party has elected Mohammed Ouzzine as its new Secretary-General on Saturday, at the end of the party’s 14th congress in Rabat.
Ouzzine was the only candidate for the position, after his rival Driss Zouini did not fulfill the requirements for the candidacy. Ouzzine is now the successor to Mohand Laenser, who was chosen to become the party’s president.
During his first speech as secretary-general, Ouzzine criticized the current Moroccan government, accusing it of burdening Moroccan citizens with increasing prices of living, in a reference to the current increase in prices of food items and fuel.
The official accused the Aziz Akhannouch-led government of “hiding” behind international events such as the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war to explain away the rising prices and other issues that Moroccans face.
He also cited inadequate education and health infrastructure as leading causes behind dissatisfaction with the current leadership.
A little more than a year after its election, Akhannouch’s government has found itself facing disapproval from its constituents. Citizens are decrying an increase in food and fuel prices, which the cabinet has explained as consequences of global supply bottlenecks and geopolitical conflicts.
Earlier this year, social media sites saw the hashtag #DegageAkhannouch (Leave, Akhannouch) trend in Morocco.
Ouzzine previously served as Minister of Youth and Sports from 2012 to 2015, in Abdelilah Benkirane’s PJD government. He is currently a member of Morocco’s House of Representatives.
The party’s 14th congress was held under the slogan “Loyalty to a Morocco of institutions.”
