Akhannouch highlights government’s achievements during first 100 days

The Moroccan Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch, was the guest of a special broadcast this Wednesday, January 20, by the two national TV channels Al Aoula and 2M on the occasion of the first 100 days of the government.

Akhannouch said that the first 100 days of his government have been marked by “clear signs of fidelity to the promises and commitments announced during the electoral campaign,” and that the measures taken so far show that the government has “respected its commitments.”

In the face of the myriad high expectations citizens and voters have to witness concrete results, Akhannouch has been absent from the media and has made little to no appearances since his appointment.

A criticism that has been echoed by many political observers ahead of the 100-day mark. The point was brought up in the interview, to which the head of government responded that his government “is about action,” adding that although “we don’t talk a lot, we work a lot.”

The incoming government found various pending cases, files and legislation to finalize, which Akhannouch said is being dealt with, “with seriousness and harmony between the different components of the government.”

On the controversial border closure mandate, he called the mandate “a fair decision,” adding that “the government is obligated to respect the guidance of the scientific committees before taking any action to reopen.”

Since his ascension as the head of the executive, Morocco has witnessed a spike in the prices of basic goods, with no government interference.

Akhannouch responded to the phenomenon saying that “the increase in the price of some products is temporary and related to the current global situation.”

The head of government reiterated previous government officials’ statements saying the inflation is a mixture of private companies’ decisions and a global rise of resources across the world due to the pandemic.

But the official stated that despite the rise, “ citizens’ purchasing power has not been affected thanks to the assistance of the Compensation Fund,” which has been subject to significant reform since before the change in governments.

Akhannouch said that the reform is currently not being discussed due to “the pandemic’s effects on the economy and incomes.”

On his government’s highlight promise, universal social security coverage, which this government has been making substantial progress on, Akhannouch stated that “the full implementation of the Generalized Social Coverage is not easy, as it will require, among other things, a special contribution system for each socio-professional category,” but that the legislative process is well underway.

On the many reforms the health sector requires, the head of government said that “since human capital is the focal point of the welfare state, an effective and efficient health system, equal opportunities for all students and employees are essential.”

Akhannouch said that his government allocated “an approximate MAD 9 billion to health and education, a university hospital is planned in Errachidia and MAD 500 million have been set aside for the disabled.”