The French magazine “Jeune Afrique” said that Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, by joining the Authenticity and Modernity Party less than two months before the legislative elections scheduled for September 23, has reshuffled the cards of an election campaign that until now revolved around the duality of Aziz Akhannouch and Abdelilah Benkiran, a move that reflects, as much as it reveals about the man, the reality of the Moroccan political scene.
After weeks of hesitation, rumors, and official denials, Fouzi Lekjaa finally made his decision. On Saturday, July 25, in Salé, during the 32nd session of the National Council of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), the Minister Delegate for the Budget and President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation joined the party's Political Bureau amidst enthusiastic applause. The atmosphere was celebratory, but not for everyone, adds Jeune Afrique.
On the platform, Fatima Zahra Mansouri, the party's collective leadership coordinator, welcomed the newcomer as if he were a long-time member, addressing him warmly as "Brother Fawzi." However, one phrase revealed something deeper than mere delight at the newcomer's arrival: "Today is exceptional, but afterward, it will be a time for everyone to adhere to the party's rules." A clear implication that the newcomer, despite his stature, must abide by the party's regulations.
A party leader believes that Mansouri fears Lekjaa will seize the spotlight, and perhaps even the party leadership later on. He adds that her performance during the ceremony appeared unusually nervous, while Lekjaa left quickly after the proceedings concluded.
On the surface, it seems like just a normal pre-election joining, but in depth it could be a real turning point in the campaign.
What happened in the city of Salé was only the tip of the iceberg; its true implications emerged 1,700 kilometers away, in the desert, where the National Rally of Independents party was on a field tour. Two scenes, two narratives, quickly collided.
While the Authenticity and Modernity Party was celebrating the inclusion of Lekjaa, Aziz Akhannouch and Mohamed Chaouki were touring the cities of Dakhla, Laayoune, and Tan-Tan to defend the government's record. But minutes after the announcement of Lekjaa's joining, the rhetoric changed.
In Dakhla, Akhannouch turned his rally into a platform for rebuttals, declaring, “We’re not in a transfer market,” and criticizing parties that “were absent for five years and then look for names at the last minute.” He added, referring to his opponents, “Who will they play with? We have 10,000 elected officials and hundreds of thousands of members.”
Other party leaders joined the attack, after their criticism had previously been primarily focused on Benkirane and the Justice and Development Party. Within hours, Lekjaa and the Authenticity and Modernity Party were at the heart of the political discourse, and this is where what could be called the "Lekjaa offensive" began.
Previously, Benkirane had dictated the pace of the campaign thanks to his populist rhetoric and sharp criticism, attracting diverse segments of society. However, Lekjaa's entry changed the game, transforming the confrontation from a risky duel between the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) and the Justice and Development Party (PJD) into a more manageable conflict between the PAM and the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM).
Questions are being raised about why Lekjaa chose this party instead of Istiqlal or the National Rally of Independents.
Within the Istiqlal Party, he would have faced a traditional structure and a long history of struggle. In the RNI, the political space is limited by the presence of Akhannouch. Meanwhile, in the Authenticity and Modernity Party, Lekjaa finds ample room to emerge as a strong national figure.
The party, which has suffered from internal crises, gains through him a figure who enjoys widespread popularity, especially among young people.
One researcher believes that this choice also serves to balance the political landscape, by reducing polarization between a party described as a “business party” and another that represents the middle class.
Despite the current rivalry, the two parties share a similar history, having both been founded to counter specific political opponents. With the Justice and Development Party's resurgence, the Authenticity and Modernity Party is regaining its role as a credible, non-Islamist alternative.
Lekjaa, 56, is seen as a pragmatic and effective figure, combining competence and experience, with the image of a man close to the Moroccan reality.
He is not known for scandals and is described as serious and disciplined,despite criticisms regarding the concentration of power.
The question remains: Is Lekjaa seeking the premiership? There are no clear indications, especially since the constitution stipulates that the prime minister be appointed from the winning party.
Analysts believe his joining reflects profound shifts in the political landscape more than it reflects a direct personal ambition.
Within a few days, Fouzi Lekjaa succeeded in changing the equation of the election campaign. Perhaps his "strike" lies not in the pursuit of power, but in reshaping the political landscape and empowering a party to regain the initiative.
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