King Mohammed VI appoints new cabinet led by Aziz Akhannouch: A strategic shift in Moroccan governance

Wednesday 23 October 2024 - 18:59

By: Dakir Madiha

King Mohammed VI appoints new cabinet led by Aziz Akhannouch: A strategic shift in Moroccan governance

His Majesty King Mohammed VI has officially appointed the second iteration of Aziz Akhannouch's government, unveiling a cabinet that blends fresh faces with experienced officials. This announcement, made on Wednesday, signifies a pivotal moment in Morocco's political landscape as the nation grapples with pressing economic challenges.

- Aziz Akhannouch: Head of government
- Abdelouafi Laftit: Minister of Interior
- Nasser Bourita: Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Abroad
- Abdellatif Ouahbi: Minister of Justice
- Ahmed Toufiq: Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs
- Mohamed Hajoui: Secretary General of the Government
- Nadia Fettah Alaoui: Minister of Economy and Finance
- Nizar Baraka: Minister of Equipment and Water
- Mohamed Saad Berrada: Minister of National Education, Preschool, and Sports
- Amine Tahraoui: Minister of Health and Social Protection
- Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri: Minister of National Planning, Urban Development, Housing, and Urban Policy
- Ahmed Bouari: Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests
- Younes Sekkouri Oubbahessou: Minister of Economic Inclusion, Micro-enterprises, Employment, and Skills
- Ryad Mezzour: Minister of Industry and Trade
- Fatim-Zahra Ammor: Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Social Economy
- Azzedine El Midaoui: Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation
- Leila Benali: Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development
- Abdessamad Kayouh: Minister of Transport and Logistics
- Mohammed Mehdi Bensaid: Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication
- Abdellatif Loudiyi: Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of National Defense Administration
- Naima Ben Yahia: Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of Solidarity, Social Inclusion, and Family
- Karim Zidane: Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of Investment and Public Policy Evaluation
- Fouzi Lekjaa: Minister Delegate to the Ministry of Economy and Finance in charge of Budget
- Mustapha Baitas: Government Spokesman and Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of Relations with Parliament
- Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni: Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform
- Zakia Driouich: Secretary of State to the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, in charge of Maritime Fisheries
- Omar Hejira: Secretary of State to the Minister of Industry and Trade, in charge of Foreign Trade
- Adib Benbrahim: Secretary of State to the Minister of National Planning, Urbanism, Housing, and City Policy, in charge of Housing
- Hicham Sabiry: Secretary of State to the Minister of Economic Inclusion, Small Enterprises, Employment, and Skills, in charge of Employment
- Lahcen Essaadi: Secretary of State to the Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy, in charge of Handicrafts and Social Economy
- Abdeljebbar Rachidi: Secretary of State to the Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration, and Family, in charge of Social Integration

Additionally, several secretaries of state will be appointed at a later date. The new cabinet was sworn in during a ceremony attended by the King himself.

This reshuffle comes at a crucial time as Morocco navigates various challenges including economic pressures exacerbated by global events. The new government is expected to focus on enhancing social welfare programs while addressing economic disparities that have been highlighted during recent crises.

The appointment ceremony underscored the monarch's ongoing role in shaping Morocco's governance landscape. While the King retains significant authority over strategic decisions, this cabinet aims to implement reforms that resonate with public expectations for improved living conditions.

As Morocco embarks on this new chapter under Akhannouch’s leadership, observers will be keen to see how these appointments translate into effective governance that meets the aspirations of its citizens.