Fouzi Lekjaa, Morocco's Finance Minister and the driving force behind the country's 2030 World Cup preparations, is reportedly being encouraged to seek the position of prime minister in the upcoming fall elections. This development underscores Lekjaa's significant political capital, built on his dual role in managing national finances and spearheading major infrastructure projects linked to the World Cup.
Lekjaa, who also serves as President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), has been instrumental in the country's football transformation, which he credits to years of investment in training centers, infrastructure, and youth development under King Mohammed VI's vision. His ambitions extend beyond co-hosting the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal, as he has stated the objective is to "win the World Cup." He also expressed a "legitimate ambition" for Morocco to host the final match.
Morocco is undergoing a significant economic restructuring, with plans to offload debt-laden state assets and expand its capital markets to fund a surge in infrastructure spending for the World Cup and other major projects like Nador West Med and rail expansion. Lekjaa, in his capacity as Minister Delegate for budget, has rejected the notion of Morocco developing at different speeds by region, emphasizing the country's "upward development trajectory" supported by healthy public finances. The kingdom is also actively lobbying for an investment-grade credit score from S&P Global Ratings, despite new spending commitments from a recent earthquake and the World Cup preparations.
Analysts view Lekjaa's potential candidacy as a reflection of the merging priorities of economic development and sports. His leadership in both areas positions him as a crucial figure in Morocco's efforts to enhance its international standing and achieve its long-term development goals. The plan to start derivatives trading this year, part of the deepest revamp of financial regulations in over three decades, further highlights the government's commitment to securing funding for these ambitious projects.
