Akhannouch, who has led the country's government since 2021, faced vocal criticism during youth-led protests last fall. The demonstrators demanded education and healthcare reforms and the resignation of the prime minister.
The announcement that Akhannouch plans to step down as party leader after his term came at a party meeting in the coastal city of El Jadida on Saturday. He said the decision to step down as party leader was “deeply considered.”
The next elections are in September. King Mohammed VI - the country's real authority - will then appoint the leader of the winning party as the new prime minister.
