Aziz Akhannouch defends Agadir funding in clash with Hicham El Mahajri

Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch has launched a sharp political critique against Hicham El Mahajri, a member of the Authenticity and Modernity Party, following disputes over the financing of the Agadir development program.

Speaking in the Mazouda commune of the Chichaoua province, Akhannouch addressed allegations regarding a 100 billion centime loan for Agadir. He clarified that the funding was not an exceptional mechanism reserved solely for the city, but rather the result of a competitive bidding process involving major Moroccan banks and the Caisse de Dépôt et de Gestion. He emphasized that the government's recent decree was designed to allow all local authorities and regions to access financial markets to fund essential projects.

Akhannouch also criticized El Mahajri's political conduct, noting his absence from parliamentary activity for approximately four years before resurfacing during the current electoral period to attack the government. The Prime Minister suggested that El Mahajri should focus on developing his own regions, such as Marrakech, rather than contesting the administration's work in Agadir, and stated that El Mahajri would be required to answer for his statements before the judiciary.