Fouzi Lekjaa's PAM membership fuels claims of pre‑selected prime minister for Morocco's 2026 election

Fouzi Lekjaa, a senior finance inspector who has headed the Moroccan Budget Ministry since 2011, officially joined the Party Authenticité et Modernité (PAM). His move has revived rumors that the ruling establishment may already have a prime‑ministerial candidate for the 2026 legislative elections, with Lekjaa portrayed as the likely choice.

Critics argue the episode demonstrates a broader pattern of state capture in Morocco, citing the earlier rise of billionaire politician Aziz Akhannouch through a similar technocratic pathway. Observers warn that such pre‑selection undermines democratic competition, especially as the country faces high inflation, youth unemployment, water scarcity and deteriorating public services.

The discussion underscores growing public distrust of the political elite and highlights calls for genuine policy debate rather than speculation about back‑room appointments.