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01/01/2025
The leadership styles and approaches of Aziz Akhannouch and Abdelilah Benkirane, as heads of government in Morocco, differ significantly due to their backgrounds, political ideologies, and priorities during their respective tenures. Here’s a comparative breakdown:
1. Political Background and Support Base
• Aziz Akhannouch (Head of Government since 2021):
• Leader of the National Rally of Independents (RNI), a centrist political party with a pro-business orientation.
• Backed by a coalition of parties with a focus on economic growth, business-friendly reforms, and social development.
• Represents the elite and technocratic class, emphasizing pragmatic governance.
• Abdelilah Benkirane (Head of Government from 2011 to 2017):
• Leader of the Justice and Development Party (PJD), an Islamist-rooted party.
• Gained popularity post-Arab Spring, appealing to the middle and lower classes with promises of anti-corruption and governance reforms.
• Positioned himself as a populist figure advocating for justice and equality.
2. Policy Focus
• Akhannouch:
• Prioritizes economic modernization and large-scale social programs (e.g., universal health coverage, education reform, and youth employment initiatives).
• Focuses on attracting foreign investment and supporting industries like agriculture, tourism, and renewable energy.
• Promotes partnerships with the private sector.
• Benkirane:
• Emphasized socio-political reforms, often tackling sensitive issues like subsidies, pensions, and labor laws.
• Advocated for fiscal discipline, reducing subsidies on basic goods to improve public finances, which drew criticism from some segments of society.
• Maintained a more populist narrative, aligning with religious and cultural values.
3. Leadership Style
• Akhannouch:
• More technocratic and business-oriented, leveraging his experience as a successful businessman and former agriculture minister.
• Relies on a top-down governance approach, working closely with Morocco’s economic elite and international stakeholders.
• Benkirane:
• Charismatic and outspoken, often engaging directly with the public.
• Known for his fiery rhetoric and ability to rally his base.
• Frequently criticized by opponents for being divisive and populist in his approach.
4. Public Perception
• Akhannouch:
• Viewed by critics as representing the wealthy elite, with limited connection to the struggles of ordinary Moroccans.
• Supporters argue his pragmatic approach is what Morocco needs for long-term economic growth.
• Benkirane:
• Polarizing figure—loved by his base for his straight-talking style and modest image, but criticized for austerity measures that hurt vulnerable groups.
• Seen as more ideologically driven compared to Akhannouch.
5. Results and Legacy
• Akhannouch:
• Early in his tenure but marked by ambitious reforms like tax amnesty programs and social safety net expansions.
• Criticized for rising living costs and perceived inequality despite these reforms.
• Benkirane:
• Credited for navigating Morocco through the post-Arab Spring period, ensuring stability.
• His austerity measures were unpopular but seen as necessary to stabilize public finances.
• Legacy remains tied to the PJD’s rise and subsequent decline after his tenure.
Conclusion
The key difference lies in their approach and focus:
• Benkirane led with populist rhetoric, focusing on governance reforms and connecting with the average citizen.
• Akhannouch takes a technocratic, business-friendly approach, emphasizing large-scale economic and social projects, though he faces criticism for being out of touch with the public.
Each reflects a broader shift in Morocco’s political priorities over the past decade—from post-Arab Spring reformist momentum to economic and social modernization.
M.Ahmed.A
