RABAT, Feb 8, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch said Saturday he will not seek re-election as head of his party, which precludes his return as government chief were it to win this year's parliamentary elections. Speaking at a party rally in the coastal city of El Jadida, Akhannouch told his National Rally of Independents (RNI) party his decision to step down was "serious and deeply thought through". King Mohammed VI has traditionally appointed as prime minister the leader of the party that wins parliamentary elections. Akhannouch has defended his record, boasting of economic recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic, growth and social programmes including expanded healthcare coverage and aid to low-income households. The youth-led protests that called for Akhannouch to resign erupted in September and led authorities to pledge more funding for education and healthcare.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha February 08, 2026 05:26 UTC