Moroccan king appoints Aziz Akhannouch as Prime Minister after RNI wins 102 seats

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI on Friday appointed Aziz Akhanuch, President of National Rally of Independents (RNI), as new Prime Minister in accordance with constitutional provisions after legislative election results were declared. latter was immediately given task to form a new government after National Rally of Independents won a statement by Royal Cabinet on Saturday, Sept.11 read. 61 years old Aziz Akhanuch from RNI party served as Minister of Agriculture from 2007 to 2017. His party dominated legislative, municipal, and regional elections on September 8, according to multiple ncy reports. 

RNI grabbed victory in polls securing 102 of parliament's total 395 seats defeating Morocco’s Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD), which mand to secure just 13 seats. PJD’s Saad Dine El Otmani had remained Morocco’s Prime Minister since 2017. He condemned results calling victory of opposition RNI as driven by “vote-buying.” Interior Ministry of Morocco released results after all ballots were counted earlier yesterday. Election turut despite pandemic was more than what it was in 2016 at over 50 per cent, reports suggest. 

Akhanuch part of RNI in 2016

billionaire businessman Akhanuch, who became a member of party in 2016, was appointed as country’s leader. “Morocco King has appointed Akhanuch as head of government and tasked him with forming a new government” palace’s official statement read on Saturday. Akhanuch’s RNI party that won a sweeping victory has been a part of coalition governments for last 23 years. It won 9,995 of total 31,503 seats in local polls, and 196 of 678 in regional polls. next majority seat winner was Liberal Aunticity and Modernity Party (PAM), which clutched 86 seats.

newly appointed Moroccan Prime Minister called poll results “a victory for democracy, its spirit and its rules” while he addressed state press. He lamented devastation caused by COVID pandemic in country, saying that he will create a million jobs to boost ecomy and eradicate unemployment. He also promised health insurance for all Moroccans and pensions for retired elderly. former agriculture minister is one of richest men in Morocco with an estimated wealth of about $2 billion. He primarily runs fuel and gas distribution businesses. 

IM: AP