Aziz Akhannouch, the head of the National Rally of Independents party, announced on Friday evening in El Jadida that he will not run for a third term as party leader. He affirmed that his decision stems from a strong conviction about the necessity of leadership rotation and adherence to internal laws, while also expressing his full support for the nomination of Mohamed Chouki to lead the party in the upcoming phase.
In a lengthy speech delivered at the party’s extraordinary conference in El Jadida, Akhannouch reviewed the political and organizational path that the “RNI” has taken since 2016, considering that the party has transitioned from a phase of reconstruction to the leading position in the national political landscape, thanks to what he described as fieldwork, listening to citizens, and linking rhetoric with practice.
Akhannouch emphasized that his choice to not continue as the party’s president is a “well-considered decision” that reflects his rejection of the logic of permanent leadership and translates his belief that the strength of parties is measured by their ability to renew and sustain themselves, rather than by the length of time individuals remain in leadership roles. He stated that the upcoming phase requires a leadership that is aware of its challenges and capable of continuing the development in harmony with the transformations occurring in the country.
Discussing the broader context, Akhannouch stressed that Morocco is experiencing a critical phase, where social and economic challenges intersect with major political and institutional stakes, which, in his view, necessitates strong parties grounded in their principles and responsible in their practices. He considered that serious party work remains the essential entry point for improving political life and restoring trust between citizens and politics.
The Prime Minister addressed the experience of the government led by the party within what he described as a “cohesive majority,” indicating that recent years have been marked by tough international and national pressures, from the repercussions of the pandemic to consecutive years of drought. Nevertheless, he stated that the government faced these challenges with a sense of responsibility while maintaining major balances and enhancing the pillars of the social state, foremost among them the generalization of social protection and the launch of direct social support.
In a notable humanitarian dimension, Akhannouch reflected on milestones from his personal and political journey, affirming that politics has never been for him a path to prestige or privilege, but a tool for serving people and combating poverty and vulnerability. He expressed his confidence in passing the baton, ensuring that the party is in safe hands, thanks to its organization, capabilities, and grassroots spread across various regions of the kingdom.
In closing his speech, Akhannouch urged party members to rally around the anticipated new leadership, support Mohamed Chouki in his upcoming tasks, and prepare earnestly for the legislative elections of 2026, emphasizing that the extraordinary conference represents an organizational milestone to ensure continuity and readiness, rather than for immediate calculations.
Akhannouch concluded by reaffirming the party’s commitment to national constants and responsible engagement in the path of reform under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, considering that what has been achieved is not the end of the road but rather the foundation for a new phase characterized by continuity, renewal, and linking trust with action.
