Rabat – Rachid Hamouni, a Moroccan politician who spent much of the previous parliamentary term criticizing government policies, has joined Morocco’s new government as Minister Delegate to the Minister of the Family, Social Development and Equality, in charge of Social Inclusion.
King Mohammed VI appointed Hamouni to the position on October 16, following the formation of a new government led by Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri.
His appointment marks a new stage in the political career of the former president of the parliamentary group of the Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS), who represented the Boulemane constituency in the House of Representatives.
Hamouni now takes on responsibilities related to social inclusion after spending five years in the opposition, where he regularly raised concerns about economic and social policies, public spending, and inequalities between Morocco’s regions.
From Missour to parliament
Born in 1971 in Missour, in Morocco’s Boulemane Province, Hamouni built his political career around parliamentary representation and the activities of the PPS.
He entered the House of Representatives after winning a seat representing Boulemane in the 2016 legislative elections. He subsequently secured reelection in 2021, strengthening his position within the party and its parliamentary group.
During the 2021–2026 parliamentary term, Hamouni served as president of the PPS parliamentary group, becoming one of the party’s principal voices in debates over government policy.
The PPS, which has a socialist political tradition, remained in the opposition during the government led by Aziz Akhannouch.
In that role, Hamouni frequently criticized the government’s handling of economic and social issues, arguing that public policies needed to respond more effectively to citizens’ concerns.
His parliamentary activities also included questions concerning healthcare, education, employment, food prices, water resources, and infrastructure in rural areas.
A voice for rural communities
One of the recurring themes in Hamouni’s political work has been the development of rural provinces and the distribution of public investment.
Representing Boulemane, a province in the Fès-Meknès region, he has repeatedly raised concerns about disparities between rural communities and Morocco’s major urban centers.
During his time in the opposition, Hamouni criticized what he considered an unequal distribution of investment, arguing that less-populated provinces also needed public infrastructure and services.
He also raised questions about the availability of university accommodation, rural roads, agricultural challenges, and access to water.
These issues formed part of his broader criticism of government policies, particularly regarding their ability to address the needs of communities facing economic and social difficulties.
His parliamentary record also includes participation in discussions on healthcare reform and the regulation of the psychology profession.
Hamouni’s appointment to a government portfolio focused on social inclusion brings these issues into a new institutional context, although the policies he will pursue in his new role remain to be seen.
From opposition to government
Hamouni’s appointment represents a significant change in his political responsibilities.
As head of the PPS parliamentary group, he spent the previous legislative term challenging the government and questioning its handling of public affairs.
He frequently criticized the government’s economic and social record, including its response to rising prices and inequalities in access to public services.
Now, as a member of the executive, he will be expected to contribute to the implementation of government policies rather than simply scrutinize them from Parliament.
Hamouni is also among the PPS representatives included in the new government. The party is represented by Nabil Benabdallah, who was appointed Minister of National Education, Preschool Education, Vocational Training and Qualification, alongside Charafat Afailal, who was appointed to oversee energy.
The appointments place the PPS in a position to contribute directly to government policy after its previous role in the opposition.
Hamouni’s transition is particularly notable given his prominent position in parliamentary debates during the preceding five years.
What does his new portfolio involve?
As Minister Delegate in charge of Social Inclusion, Hamouni will work under Najwa Koukouss, Morocco’s Minister of the Family, Social Development and Equality.
The portfolio places him within the government’s broader social policy framework, which encompasses efforts to address exclusion and improve the participation of vulnerable groups in society.
Social inclusion involves reducing barriers that prevent individuals and communities from accessing opportunities, public services, and economic and social life.
Depending on the government’s division of responsibilities, this work can involve coordination with institutions and programs serving people with disabilities, older people, disadvantaged communities, and other groups facing social or economic obstacles.
Morocco has pursued several social protection reforms in recent years, including the expansion of direct social assistance and efforts to improve access to healthcare.
The implementation of these initiatives requires coordination between government departments, public institutions, and social services.
Hamouni’s role will therefore involve contributing to the government’s approach to social inclusion, with particular attention to the policies and programs assigned to his portfolio.
His experience as a parliamentarian may also shape his approach to questions involving regional inequalities and access to public services.
However, the specific priorities, programs, and commitments he will advance in office have yet to be established publicly.
A new chapter in his political career
Hamouni’s move from parliamentary opposition to government marks a new chapter in a political career built around legislative work and party leadership.
After representing Boulemane in Parliament and leading the PPS parliamentary group during the 2021–2026 term, he now assumes executive responsibilities in an area central to Morocco’s social policy agenda.
His appointment also places him in a position to address issues he previously raised in Parliament, including regional disparities and the needs of disadvantaged communities.
As the new government begins its work, Hamouni’s performance will be assessed in part by how effectively he helps translate its social inclusion objectives into concrete policies and results.
