Morocco's leader steps down after protests

TT

Published 2026-02-07 22.47

 

The youth-led so-called Gen Z protests broke out in September last year. Archive image. Photo: AP/TT

Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch announces that he does not want to be re-elected and therefore does not intend to lead his party in the next election.

Akhannouch, who has led the country's government since 2021, faced loud criticism during youth-led protests last fall. The protesters demanded education and healthcare reforms and the resignation of the prime minister.

The announcement that Akhannouch plans to leave after his term came at a party meeting in the coastal city of El Jadida on Saturday. He said that the decision to step down as party leader was "deeply considered".

The next election is in September. King Mohammed VI – the country's real authority – will then appoint the leader of the election-winning party as the new prime minister.