As Morocco approaches its legislative elections in September 2026, a superficial reading might suggest a conventional political moment, shaped by a contested government record, a fragmented opposition, and a disillusioned electorate. Yet a closer analysis reveals a deeper dynamic: a political system confronted with a growing imbalance between the state’s strategic performance and the social fragility of its base, now seemingly seeking not rupture, but controlled correction.
It is in this context that the name of Fouad Ali El Himma has resurfaced in political and diplomatic circles. This should not be interpreted as the return of a conventional political actor seeking office, but rather as the possible re-emergence of a systemic need: the reactivation of a form of political engineering capable of organizing transition without destabilizing institutional architecture. In Morocco’s recent history, such political engineering has not been an anomaly, but a regulatory mechanism, mobilized when political equilibria become too fragile to be left solely to electoral competition. Today’s instability is not institutional; it is fundamentally social.
On the external front, Morocco continues to demonstrate significant strategic achievements. The gradual consolidation of its position on Western Sahara, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, has transformed a long-standing conflict into a lever of diplomatic projection. The opening of consulates in the southern provinces, the evolution of international positions, and the increasing integration of the autonomy plan into strategic discussions all point toward a shift in Morocco’s favor. At the same time, the Kingdom has fundamentally redefined its relationship with Africa, moving beyond symbolic diplomacy toward structured economic integration.
Moroccan banks now operate across several African economies, national companies have secured strong positions in telecommunications and infrastructure, and major logistical projects are reshaping regional trade flows. The Dakhla Atlantic port project alone embodies this ambition, aiming to position Morocco as a strategic hub connecting West Africa, Europe, and the Americas. This vision is further reinforced by investments in renewable energy, particularly solar and green hydrogen, enabling the country to align itself with global energy transitions. Despite successive economic shocks, macroeconomic balances have been largely preserved, strengthening Morocco’s image as a stable and credible partner in the eyes of international institutions.
However, this strategic success produces a paradoxical effect: it sharpens the perception of a growing disconnect between national ambition and lived reality. On the ground, social indicators tell a more complex and politically decisive story. Unemployment remains high, hovering around 13 percent, but this figure conceals a deeper generational fracture, with more than one-third of young people out of work. This reality fuels structural frustration, particularly among educated youth who are fully aware of global opportunities yet remain excluded from accessing them.
At the same time, purchasing power has become a central source of tension. Inflation in recent years, particularly in food, energy, and housing, has placed considerable pressure on households. Across urban middle classes and working-class neighborhoods alike, the dominant perception is one of decline, as incomes stagnate while essential expenses continue to rise. This daily economic strain reinforces a sense of inequality, especially as large-scale national projects, however ambitious, appear disconnected from immediate social concerns.
Housing tensions further illustrate this gap. In several cities, demolition and urban restructuring operations, often justified by development policies, are experienced as abrupt and insufficiently managed. Displaced families, disputes over compensation, and limited dialogue in certain cases have contributed to a climate of mistrust. In rural areas, repeated years of drought have weakened local economies, accelerated migration toward cities, and deepened territorial inequalities, exposing communities to rapid transformations without adequate support mechanisms.
This accumulation of pressures has led to a gradual but profound erosion of trust. This erosion does not necessarily translate into structured political opposition but manifests instead in disengagement, increasing distance from institutions, and a growing tendency toward abstention. In this context, the National Rally of Independents, led by Aziz Akhannouch, finds itself under significant pressure. Having come to power with promises of rapid and tangible reform, the party is now perceived by part of the population as disconnected from everyday realities.
This is not necessarily due to an inability to govern, but because it has struggled to translate policy into visible improvements in daily life. In such a configuration, a protest vote becomes a credible scenario. However, in Morocco, such a vote does not automatically produce a conventional alternation of power. Instead, it often leads to a redistribution of political roles, allowing the system to absorb discontent without undergoing fundamental transformation. It is precisely within this framework that the potential role of Fouad Ali El Himma gains significance.
His possible re-emergence can be interpreted as a response to the need for systemic rebalancing. With his deep understanding of institutional dynamics, extensive networks, and capacity for strategic anticipation, he represents a potential stabilizing force. In a context where no single party appears capable of structuring a strong and credible majority, such influence may help prevent excessive fragmentation and facilitate a coherent political transition.
Yet this perspective carries an inherent tension. While it may preserve stability and ensure continuity, it also risks being perceived as limiting democratic dynamics. In an increasingly informed and demanding society, legitimacy is no longer built solely on stability, but also on transparency and participation.Ultimately, Morocco’s current challenges extend beyond the political sphere. They are social, economic, and territorial in nature, requiring concrete, visible, and measurable responses. Political engineering may help organize transition, but it cannot, on its own, generate public trust. The real challenge for 2026 lies in the system’s ability to reconnect public policy with social reality and ensure that Morocco’s strategic achievements translate into tangible improvements for its population.
Isaac Hammouch Belgian-Moroccan journalist and writer specializing in governance, societal transformations, and contemporary political dynamics.
