The appointment of Driss Jettou as Prime Minister of Morocco on 6 October 2002 marked a shift toward technocratic governance under King Mohammed VI. Born in El Jadida in 1945, Jettou entered the executive branch as a political independent, steering the country through significant economic changes and trade negotiations during his five-year term at the head of government.
Early Education and Industrial Career
Jettou attended El Khawarizmi college in Casablanca, earning a technical Baccalauréat in mathematics in 1964. He continued his studies at the Science Faculty of Rabat, part of Mohammed V University, graduating with a degree in physics and chemistry in 1966. By 1968, he obtained a business management diploma from the London College of Fashion, then known as Cordwainers College. Before entering public service, he held various managerial roles in Moroccan industry for 25 years, eventually chairing the Moroccan Federation of Industries of Leather and serving as vice-president of the Moroccan Association of Exporters.
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His political career began in 1993 when King Hassan II selected him as Minister of Trade and Industry. Between August 1997 and March 1998, he served as Minister of Economy and Finance. In 2001, he joined the cabinet of Abderrahmane Youssoufi as Minister of Interior. Upon becoming Prime Minister in 2002, he led a coalition government that included the Socialist Union of Forces for Progress and the Istiqlal Party. During this tenure, he facilitated a free trade agreement with the United States in 2004. He concluded his term in September 2007.
Oversight and Public Service
In August 2012, King Mohammed VI appointed Jettou as President of the Audits Court, a position he held until 2021. This role involved managing national anti-corruption efforts. Later, in December 2019, he joined the Special Committee on Model of Development. Throughout his career, Jettou has been recognized with several international honors, including the Grand Cross of the Order of Civil Merit in 2000, the Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic in 2005, and the Grand Cross of the Order of Charles III in 2010. He also received the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Throne in 2008.
Fast facts
- Born: 24 May 1945, El Jadida
- Citizenship: Morocco
- Prime Minister of Morocco: 2002-2007
- President of the Audits Court: 2012-2021
- Religion: Islam
- Languages: French, English, Moroccan Arabic, Modern Standard Arabic
Questions readers ask
Was Driss Jettou a member of a political party when appointed Prime Minister?
No, he served as a technocrat and was not a member of any political party at the time of his appointment in 2002.
What was his primary responsibility as President of the Audits Court?
He oversaw national audits and was tasked with managing corruption cases within the state.
