Fouzi Lekjaa expected to join PAM leadership before elections

Morocco’s Delegate Minister for the Budget, Fouzi Lekjaa, is reportedly preparing to join the leadership of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) ahead of the country’s general elections scheduled for September.

According to reports citing sources within PAM, the party is expected to formally announce Lekjaa’s arrival during a National Council meeting on July 25. The development would mark a significant political step for one of Morocco’s most influential public figures as the country enters a key electoral period.

The reported move comes only weeks after Lekjaa publicly denied speculation linking him to PAM. In statements reported in June, he said he was neither a member of the party nor a candidate on its electoral lists. He also stressed that he was not affiliated with any political party and would personally announce any future decision to enter electoral politics.

The latest reports have reignited discussion about Lekjaa’s potential political future. Morocco is due to hold parliamentary elections on September 23, and several political observers and social media commentators have suggested that he could emerge as a contender for the position of head of government.

Interest in Lekjaa’s political prospects has grown alongside his rising public profile. In June, Bloomberg reported that two political parties were seeking to attract him to leadership positions ahead of the elections. The report highlighted his role in strengthening Morocco’s football sector and increasing the national team’s competitiveness on the international stage.

PAM officials have previously expressed interest in bringing Lekjaa into the party. Samir Goudar, a senior PAM figure, described the prospect as an honor, pointing to Lekjaa’s experience and national stature.

Beyond politics, Lekjaa remains one of Morocco’s most prominent public administrators. He has served as president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation since 2014 and became vice president of the Confederation of African Football in 2025. His tenure has coincided with major reforms in Moroccan football and increased international recognition for the country’s sporting achievements.

In the public sector, King Mohammed VI appointed Lekjaa as Director of the Budget at the Ministry of Economy in January 2021. He currently serves as Delegate Minister for the Budget and is widely regarded as a key figure in Morocco’s economic and financial management.

Lekjaa holds a State Engineering degree in agronomy as well as a Higher Cycle diploma from the National School of Administration. Whether the reported move to PAM is officially confirmed in the coming days could become one of the most closely watched developments ahead of Morocco’s parliamentary elections.