Ahead of the legislative elections scheduled for September 23, 2026, Moroccan Minister of Justice and Party of Authenticity and Modernity (PAM) leader Abdellatif Ouahbi outlined his party’s governmental record, electoral platform, and judicial reforms in an interview. He defended his party’s decision to assume “la responsabilité du décision” within the government majority while acknowledging that not all campaign promises have been fulfilled.
Evaluating Political Action and Government Record
According to Abdellatif Ouahbi, a political party’s performance cannot be judged by slogans alone. Instead, he stated that evaluation must rely on a party’s ability to translate commitments into concrete, sometimes “courageuses et coûteuses” decisions and public policies that affect daily life. He explained that the PAM entered the government under the leadership of King Mohammed VI with a vision centered on strengthening the rule of law, reinforcing the social state, ensuring good governance, and promoting equal opportunity.
During his tenure leading the Ministry of Justice, Ouahbi pointed to the creation and rehabilitation of more than 80 courts and judicial infrastructures. He also highlighted accelerated digital transformation, the widespread adoption of digital judicial services and remote trials, and the electronic processing of millions of case files. Legislative reforms enacted during this period include the law on the profession d’avocat, the law relative aux peines alternatives, the law on judicial organization, the law relative aux experts judiciaires, the law on the profession d’adoul, the Civil Procedure Code, and amendments to the Code de procédure pénale, the Code des juridictions financières, and the loi organique portant statut des magistrats.
Did You Know? Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi cited the creation and rehabilitation of more than 80 courts and judicial infrastructures during his legislative term at the Ministry of Justice.
A New Political Contract and Electoral Pacts
Ouahbi described the PAM’s electoral platform as a direct extension of its time in government and parliament, shaped by actual governance experience and citizen expectations. The platform rests on five core pacts: the pacte du pouvoir d’achat, the pacte d’intégration des jeunes, the pacte citoyen, the pacte de sécurité, and the pacte de croissance et de durabilité. These frameworks aim to improve household living levels, center on employment, opportunities, and economic empowerment, restore trust between citizens and institutions, face new transformations and risks, and build a productive economy capable of creating wealth and jobs while preserving water, food, and energy security.
On the rule of law, Ouahbi argued that an “État fort n’est pas celui qui multiplie les restrictions,” but one whose institutions are solid, laws clear, rights protected, and responsibility associated with accountability. He emphasized that freedoms do not constitute “un privilège accordé par l’État au citoyen,” but rights guaranteed by the Constitution and the law.
Addressing Shortfalls and Managing Governance Realities
Addressing unfulfilled pledges, Ouahbi stated that claiming every promise was kept would be unbelievable political rhetoric. He noted that administrative constraints, financial hurdles, overlapping responsibilities, and resistance to change can complicate public action, but insisted these obstacles cannot become “excuses permanentes.”
Ouahbi stressed that judicial reform does not end simply with the publication of a law in the Official Bulletin. A legal text must be accompanied by magistrates, lawyers, functionaries, administration, infrastructure, digital means, and financial and human resources. He advocated for a cultural shift in political accountability, urging leaders to focus on concrete questions regarding costs, beneficiary counts, and unfulfilled objectives.
Balancing Digital Transformation and Judicial Independence
Regarding judicial priorities, Ouahbi argued that citizens want an integrated and efficient justice system that is easily accessible and delivers rights within reasonable timeframes, rather than merely a digital justice system. While calling digitization one of the most important keys to tomorrow’s justice, he cautioned: “Si nous numérisons la complexité, nous n’avons rien réformé.”
On the separation of powers, Ouahbi underscored that judicial independence is a fundamental constitutional principle. He cited Article 107 of the Constitution, which disposes that the judicial power is independent of the legislative and executive powers. He clarified that the role of the Minister of Justice consists of elaborating public policy in the domain of justice, proposing legislative texts, and developing judicial administration within the limits of the competencies conferred by law, noting: “Ce n’est pas de donner des instructions aux juges dans les affaires et les dossiers.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the next legislative elections in Morocco?
The legislative elections are scheduled for September 23, 2026.
What constitutional article guarantees the independence of the judicial branch in Morocco?
According to Abdellatif Ouahbi, Article 107 of the Constitution establishes that the judicial power is independent of the legislative and executive powers.
What are the five core pacts comprising the PAM electoral platform?
The platform includes the pacte du pouvoir d’achat, the pacte d’intégration des jeunes, the pacte citoyen, the pacte de sécurité, and the pacte de croissance et de durabilité.
How do you assess the balance between fulfilling political promises and managing public expectations in governance?
Related reading