Fouzi Lekjaa's Political Aspirations in Morocco
Fouzi Lekjaa, who holds the dual roles of president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation and budget minister, has recently solidified his political ambitions by officially aligning himself with the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) on July 25. This strategic move positions him as a leading candidate for the role of Prime Minister in Morocco, especially as the country gears up for elections scheduled for September 23. Although the announcement of his allegiance was anticipated, it was nonetheless significant, marking a pivotal moment in his political career.
During a recent event at the convention center in Salé, Lekjaa made a notable entrance, riding in the car of the culture minister, a fellow PAM member. His casual demeanor—arriving tieless and exchanging greetings with party colleagues—was characterized by independent journalist Aziz Boucetta as a "superstar entrance." While Lekjaa refrained from delivering a speech at the event, his presence was enough to capture media attention and underscore his intentions within the political landscape.
Despite the absence of a formal declaration regarding his candidacy for the Berkane district, his hometown in northeastern Morocco, sources close to the situation suggest that he is preparing to run for election there. Legal expert Mustapha Sehimi commented on the apparent momentum behind Lekjaa's campaign, indicating that his victory seems almost inevitable, with many seeing him as the candidate who will lead PAM to success and potentially receive the appointment as head of government from King Mohammed VI.
This development not only highlights Lekjaa's transition from sports administration to political leadership but also reflects the increasing intersection of sports and politics in Morocco. As he prepares to navigate the complexities of electoral politics, all eyes will be on Lekjaa to see if he can leverage his influence and popularity from the football world into a successful political career. His journey is emblematic of a broader trend where sports figures are increasingly stepping into political roles, capturing the collective imagination of voters.
As reported by lemonde.fr.
