Kingdom
RNI: Moved, Akhannouch Passes the Torch
A memorable standing ovation to pay tribute to the phenomenal work accomplished by the President, who on February 7th handed over the reins of a political party that has been propelled into a new dimension.
Exhibition Center Mohammed VI, at the entrance to El Jadida. This is where the National Rally of Independents (RNI) placed its banners to welcome thousands of participants to the extraordinary national congress held this February 7th. A congress that will go down in history, as it marks a change at the helm of the party, after Aziz Akhannouch surprised everyone by renouncing a bid for a third term or extending his second.
The man who worked over the last ten years to transform the political party returned, in his final speech as president, to this decision. “Before you today, I affirm that the decision not to seek a third term was a serious and carefully considered decision. It is based on a thorough analysis of the party’s trajectory, respect for its statutes and the principles of internal democracy, and a precise assessment of the requirements of the next stage,” declared Aziz Akhannouch to the congress attendees.
“Our country is going through a pivotal period marked by major challenges. As a party, we must rise to this challenge. Hence our responsibility to present a different political model: a model that fosters dynamic political life; a model that restores the full value of serious party work; and that renews trust between politics and society,” he added.
For Aziz Akhannouch, the strength of a party is measured not by the duration of its members’ power, but by its capacity for renewal and continuity. Term limits were a deliberate and principled choice reflecting the firm conviction that the party must live in phase with its time and evolve with the aspirations of society. “Leadership is a temporary responsibility, not a permanent privilege,” he hammered home, while extending his congratulations to his successor, the sole candidate Mohamed Chaouki.
“I have full confidence in his ability to lead the party responsibly and with consensus during the next stage. It is our duty, all of us without exception, to provide him with our support. I am convinced that we will all rally around the new leadership with the same convictions, the same commitments, and the same faith in the party’s project and mission,” concluded Akhannouch.
