On Friday 23 October, the Minister for the Economy and Finance, Fouzi Lekjaa, presented the 2027 Finance Bill to a joint session of both Houses of Parliament.
A week after his appointment, he defended a budget based on sound fundamentals: projected growth of 4.7 per cent in 2026, inflation close to 0.7 per cent and a deficit reduced to 3 per cent of GDP. Beyond the projections, the debate is now shifting towards implementation: funding for measures, the timetable for implementation and tangible results across the regions.
From projections to measurable commitments
The 2027 Draft Finance Bill reflects the priorities of the government’s programme, adopted the previous day by the House of Representatives: purchasing power, direct social assistance, youth employment, health, education and regional development. The opposition argued that the programme lacked specific indicators and deadlines.
This is a requirement that the minister is well placed to meet. As a former Director of the Budget, Fouzi Lekjaa has first-hand knowledge of the mechanisms governing the planning and control of public expenditure. The challenge over the coming weeks will be to translate each major policy direction into clear objectives, accompanied by published deadlines and performance indicators monitored region by region, for the benefit of local communities and households.
A tried-and-tested method, transparency expected
Fouzi Lekjaa arrives at the Ministry of Finance with a reputation as a builder, forged in particular during his time at the helm of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, where he delivered major infrastructure projects within the set deadlines. This dual experience, in both budgetary and sporting spheres, is an asset for steering the Kingdom’s major projects, including preparations for the 2030 World Cup.
It also makes detailed public monitoring of investments related to sport and the 2030 projects all the more essential, in order to strengthen the confidence of both citizens and partners. For the Minister, the message is clear: the credibility of the 2027 Draft Finance Bill will be judged by the transparent monitoring of every dirham committed.
