Saad-Eddine El Othmani, born on January 16, 1956, is a prominent Moroccan politician who has played significant roles in the political landscape of Morocco, particularly within the Justice and Development Party (PJD). El Othmani has held various key positions, including Prime Minister of Morocco, showcasing his influence and impact on the country’s governance.
Born in Inezgane, a city in the southern region of Morocco, El Othmani pursued his education in medicine, earning a degree in psychiatry from Hassan II University of Casablanca in 1986. Despite his background in medicine, El Othmani’s interests expanded into politics, leading him to become involved in Islamic political movements.
El Othmani’s political journey began with his involvement in the Islamist movement, particularly through his association with the Justice and Charity group, an influential Islamist organization in Morocco. His participation in Islamist activism laid the groundwork for his later engagement in formal politics.
In 1996, Saad-Eddine El Othmani co-founded the Justice and Development Party (PJD), a conservative Islamist political party in Morocco. The party aimed to combine Islamic principles with democratic governance, advocating for political reform, social justice, and anti-corruption measures within a framework of Islamic values.
Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, El Othmani emerged as a prominent figure within the PJD, contributing to the party’s growth and development. His background in medicine and his articulate communication skills enhanced his standing within the party and among the Moroccan public.
El Othmani’s rise within the PJD culminated in his appointment as Secretary-General of the party in 2004, succeeding Abdelkrim Al-Khatib. As Secretary-General, El Othmani played a crucial role in shaping the party’s policies and strategies, consolidating its position as a major political force in Morocco.
In 2012, following the PJD’s victory in the parliamentary elections, Saad-Eddine El Othmani was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation in the government led by Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane. During his tenure as Foreign Minister, El Othmani focused on strengthening Morocco’s diplomatic relations with African and Arab countries, promoting economic cooperation and regional stability.
El Othmani’s tenure as Foreign Minister showcased his diplomatic acumen and commitment to advancing Morocco’s interests on the international stage. His efforts contributed to enhancing Morocco’s profile as a key player in regional and global affairs, particularly in the context of Africa and the Arab world.
In 2017, Saad-Eddine El Othmani assumed the role of Prime Minister of Morocco, succeeding Abdelilah Benkirane and leading a coalition government dominated by the PJD. As Prime Minister, El Othmani faced various challenges, including economic reforms, social unrest, and security concerns.
During his tenure as Prime Minister, El Othmani prioritized economic development and social welfare initiatives, aiming to address unemployment, poverty, and inequality in Moroccan society. His government implemented various measures to stimulate economic growth, attract foreign investment, and create job opportunities, although progress was hindered by structural constraints and external factors.
El Othmani’s leadership as Prime Minister also focused on maintaining stability and security in Morocco, particularly in the face of regional instability and terrorist threats. His government pursued counterterrorism efforts while also emphasizing the importance of promoting moderation, tolerance, and religious coexistence within Moroccan society.
In addition to his domestic agenda, Saad-Eddine El Othmani remained actively engaged in diplomatic initiatives, representing Morocco’s interests on the international stage and fostering partnerships with other countries and international organizations. His diplomatic efforts aimed to strengthen Morocco’s position as a regional leader and advocate for issues such as peace, security, and development.
Despite his efforts to address various challenges, El Othmani’s tenure as Prime Minister faced criticism and scrutiny from various quarters, including opposition parties, civil society groups, and segments of the public. Criticisms ranged from the government’s handling of economic reforms to its approach to political and social issues.
In 2021, following parliamentary elections in Morocco, Saad-Eddine El Othmani’s tenure as Prime Minister came to an end, as his party, the PJD, experienced a decline in electoral support. The formation of a new government led by a different political party marked a transition in Moroccan politics, reflecting changing dynamics and priorities within the country’s political landscape.
Despite his departure from the office of Prime Minister, Saad-Eddine El Othmani remains a significant figure in Moroccan politics, continuing to play an active role within the PJD and contributing to debates and discussions on key issues facing the country. His legacy as a politician and statesman is intertwined with the broader trajectory of Morocco’s political development and its ongoing quest for reform, stability, and progress.
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Saad-Eddine El Othmani’s political career is characterized by his deep involvement in the Justice and Development Party (PJD), his contributions to Morocco’s diplomatic relations, and his tenure as Prime Minister.
El Othmani’s journey into politics can be traced back to his association with the Islamist movement in Morocco, particularly through his involvement with the Justice and Charity group, which advocates for social justice and political reform within an Islamic framework. This background shaped his political ideology and informed his commitment to combining Islamic principles with democratic governance.
In 1996, Saad-Eddine El Othmani co-founded the Justice and Development Party (PJD) along with other prominent figures, including Abdelilah Benkirane. The PJD emerged as a significant force in Moroccan politics, attracting support from diverse segments of society with its platform of political reform, social justice, and anti-corruption measures.
As the PJD grew in influence, El Othmani rose through the ranks of the party, demonstrating his leadership abilities and strategic vision. In 2004, he was appointed Secretary-General of the PJD, a position he held until 2017. During his tenure as Secretary-General, El Othmani played a central role in shaping the party’s agenda, fostering internal cohesion, and expanding its political base.
In 2012, following the PJD’s victory in parliamentary elections, El Othmani was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation in the government led by Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane. As Foreign Minister, El Othmani focused on strengthening Morocco’s diplomatic ties with countries across Africa and the Arab world, as well as promoting economic cooperation and regional integration.
El Othmani’s diplomatic efforts were aimed at enhancing Morocco’s standing on the international stage and advancing its interests in various forums, including the United Nations, the African Union, and the Arab League. His tenure as Foreign Minister was marked by a proactive approach to diplomacy and a commitment to promoting peace, stability, and development in the region.
In 2017, Saad-Eddine El Othmani was appointed Prime Minister of Morocco, leading a coalition government dominated by the PJD. His tenure as Prime Minister was characterized by a focus on economic development, social welfare, and security.
One of the key priorities of El Othmani’s government was to address the challenges of unemployment, poverty, and inequality in Moroccan society. His government implemented various economic reforms and social programs aimed at stimulating growth, creating jobs, and improving living standards for all Moroccans.
In addition to domestic issues, El Othmani’s government also prioritized national security and counterterrorism efforts. Morocco has faced security threats from terrorist organizations and extremist ideologies, and El Othmani’s government worked to strengthen the country’s security apparatus and enhance cooperation with international partners in the fight against terrorism.
Despite his efforts to address these challenges, El Othmani’s tenure as Prime Minister faced criticism from various quarters, including opposition parties, civil society groups, and segments of the public. Critics raised concerns about the pace of economic reform, the government’s handling of social issues, and its approach to political reform.
In 2021, following parliamentary elections in Morocco, Saad-Eddine El Othmani’s tenure as Prime Minister came to an end as his party, the PJD, experienced a decline in electoral support. The formation of a new government led by a different political party marked a transition in Moroccan politics, signaling changing dynamics and priorities within the country’s political landscape.
Despite stepping down as Prime Minister, Saad-Eddine El Othmani remains an influential figure in Moroccan politics, continuing to play an active role within the PJD and contributing to debates and discussions on key issues facing the country. His legacy as a politician and statesman is intertwined with Morocco’s ongoing quest for reform, stability, and progress.