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Rabat – Fouzi Lekjaa, Morocco’s Minister Delegate in charge of the Budget and President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), has officially joined the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), marking one of the most closely watched political developments ahead of the country’s parliamentary elections on September 23.
PAM’s national coordinator, Fatima-Zahra El Mansouri, announced Lekjaa’s appointment to the party’s Political Bureau during the party’s National Council meeting in Sale on Saturday, formally ending weeks of speculation over his political future.
The announcement comes as Morocco’s political parties position themselves for the upcoming legislative elections, with PAM aiming to strengthen its leadership by bringing in high-profile figures. Reports in the Moroccan media have indicated that Lekjaa is expected to run in the parliamentary elections in the Berkane constituency.
Lekjaa, who serves as Minister Delegate in charge of the Budget under the Ministry of Economy and Finance, has become one of Morocco’s most influential public officials in recent years. Alongside his government role, he has overseen the rapid rise of Moroccan football as president of the FRMF, including the Atlas Lions’ historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the country’s preparations to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
His growing national profile has fueled speculation that he could eventually seek a larger political role. In recent months, Moroccan media and political commentators have repeatedly linked his name to PAM, with some suggesting that the party could position him for greater leadership responsibilities if it performs strongly in the elections.
Read also: Lekjaa: Morocco’s World Cup Success Reflects King Mohammed VI’s Vision for Youth
The move also reflects broader political calculations as Morocco enters its election season. Under the Moroccan Constitution, the King appoints the head of government from the political party that wins the largest number of seats in the House of Representatives. Analysts have therefore viewed Lekjaa’s entry into PAM as providing the senior technocrat with a formal party affiliation, an essential step for anyone expected to play a leading political role in the future.
Questions about Lekjaa’s political ambitions have circulated for months. During an interview earlier this year on Al Jazeera’s Athir platform, he was asked about speculation that he could become Morocco’s next head of government. Responding cautiously, he dismissed any certainty over the matter, saying that only God knows what the future holds.
Lekjaa’s appointment comes amid a wider wave of political realignments before the elections, as parties seek to attract prominent public figures and strengthen their electoral prospects.
Securing one of the country’s most recognizable senior officials represents a significant political gain for PAM as campaigning gradually intensifies ahead of the September vote.
