Akhannouch in Nador: Government Touts Reforms as ‘Tangible Achievements’ Amid Economic and Social Push
Analysis: Prime Minister’s ‘Path of Achievements’ tour underscores a pre-emptive political strategy focused on economic metrics and social welfare, framing the government’s work as continuous rather than election-cycle driven.
NADOR, Morocco – In a speech to over 3,000 people in Nador, Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch presented his government’s tenure as a period of transformative, delivered promises, directly linking campaign pledges from 2021 to current policy outcomes. The address, part of his nationwide “Path of Achievements” tour, served as both a progress report and a political statement, emphasizing action over rhetoric in the face of ongoing challenges.
From Pledges to Policy: Education and Social Protection at the Core
Akhannouch positioned education reform as the cornerstone of his administration’s efforts, arguing that restoring the prestige of teaching was fundamental. He cited a salary increase for 330,000 educators and the establishment of a new five-year post-baccalaureate training path as evidence of systemic change.
More notably, the Prime Minister framed the expansion of social protection as a realization of royal directives and a principle of solidarity. “Universal health coverage has become a reality,” he stated, detailing that the state covers contributions for approximately 4 million low-income families. Coupled with the activation of direct social support for 4 million households, these policies represent a significant expansion of Morocco’s social safety net, a move analysts see as crucial for long-term social stability.
Economic Indicators and the Narrative of Growth
The speech leaned heavily on recent economic data to build a case for governmental efficacy. Akhannouch highlighted a 7.9% GDP growth figure for 2024 and a 5.1% increase in purchasing power, contrasting it with sub-2% growth in 2023. A 20% rise in corporate investments was presented as a direct indicator of job creation and financial stability.
“These results were achieved thanks to responsible public policies, bold reforms, and investment in human capital,” Akhannouch asserted. However, he acknowledged persistent public expectations, stating the government is “not fully satisfied” and that reforms in health, education, and support would continue.
Regional Focus: Addressing Disparity in the Eastern Region
Beyond national programs, the Nador stop allowed for a targeted focus on the Eastern region, an area often highlighted in discussions of regional inequality. Akhannouch listed specific infrastructural and social investments: 726 km of new roads, the nearing completion of the Nador regional hospital, and advanced plans for facilities in Berkane, Taourirt, and Guercif.
Addressing critical water scarcity, he outlined an emergency program and the expansion of the Mohammed V Dam’s capacity by 2026, aimed at irrigating 79,000 hectares. The promotion of the “Nador West Med” industrial zone and a 60% increase in airline seats for tourism were pitched as direct job-creation engines for a region grappling with elevated unemployment.
Political Posturing: “We Don’t Wait for Elections”
The most politically charged element of the speech was Akhannouch’s rebuttal to critics and his framing of the government’s timeline. He dismissed some opposition as being solely concerned with “electoral calculations,” contrasting it with his administration’s focus on continuous fieldwork.
“We don’t wait for electoral deadlines to go into the field,” he declared, instructing party members to maintain constant communication with citizens. This stance attempts to shift the political narrative from a reactive, election-cycle mode to one of perpetual governance and reform, potentially insulating the government from short-term political volatility.
Analysis: A Strategy of Tangible Delivery
Akhannouch’s Nador speech is a clear exercise in political framing. By consistently linking broad national reforms (social protection, education) with hyper-localized projects (specific dams, hospitals, roads), the government seeks to create a tangible, verifiable record. The emphasis on hard economic data is aimed at an audience beyond the rally—international investors and domestic economic actors.
The Prime Minister’s acknowledgment of unmet expectations and ongoing challenges, however, reveals the tightrope the administration walks. Presenting achievements as substantial but incomplete allows for a narrative of steady progress while managing public demand for faster improvement. The ultimate message is that reform is a “long but possible” path, distancing the government’s project from the notion of quick, politically expedient fixes.
Primary Source: This analysis is based on the original report of Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch’s speech in Nador, published by Assabah. Read the original article (in Arabic) here.