RABAT, Feb 8, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch said Saturday he will not seek re-election as head of his party, which precludes his return as government chief were it to win this year's parliamentary elections.

Akhannouch has led the government since 2021 but faced mounting calls to resign by the Gen Z protest movement as Moroccan youth demanded sweeping reforms to the health and education sectors late last year.

Speaking at a party rally in the coastal city of El Jadida, Akhannouch told his National Rally of Independents (RNI) party his decision to step down was "serious and deeply thought through".

King Mohammed VI has traditionally appointed as prime minister the leader of the party that wins parliamentary elections.

The next vote is set for late September.

Akhannouch has defended his record, boasting of economic recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic, growth and social programmes including expanded healthcare coverage and aid to low-income households.

But the 64-year-old wealthy businessman has drawn criticism over alleged conflicts of interest regarding his ownership of one of Morocco's largest fuel station networks, Afriquia.

The youth-led protests that called for Akhannouch to resign erupted in September and led authorities to pledge more funding for education and healthcare.