Saadeddine Othmani

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Saadeddine Othmani (born January 16, 1956, in Inezgane, Morocco) is a Moroccan politician and psychiatrist. He led the Justice and Development Party (PJD) and was Morocco’s prime minister from April 2017 to October 2021. He also served as foreign minister from 2012 to 2013.

Education and early career: He studied medicine at Hassan II University in Casablanca and earned his medical degree in 1987, working as a doctor and psychiatrist. He also studied Islamic law. He has written on psychology and Islamic law.

Political career: Othmani led the PJD in 2004–2008 and again from 2017. He was foreign minister in the government formed after the 2011 elections. In March 2017, King Mohammed VI named him prime minister; his government was formed on April 5, 2017, as a coalition including several parties.

Key issues as prime minister: In 2017 he dismissed four ministers over regional development concerns. In 2020 his government rejected normalizing relations with Israel. In 2021 he hosted Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Rabat to show support for the Palestinian cause.

Ending his term: In the September 2021 elections, the PJD won far fewer seats, and Othmani lost his Mohammedia seat. He resigned as party leader the next day, and Aziz Akhannouch was asked to form a new government, taking office in October 2021. After leaving office, Othmani returned to private medical practice and published a book about notable Moroccan figures in law and politics.