Morocco's newly designated Head of Government, Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, has initiated talks with various political parties to form a coalition government. El Mansouri, appointed by King Mohammed VI, aims to secure a majority in the 395-seat House of Representatives, which requires at least 198 seats. Her party, the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), secured 97 seats, the most of any party, in the recent elections.
El Mansouri's first contact was with Abdelilah Benkirane, leader of the Justice and Development Party (PJD), which secured 54 seats. Despite the PJD's initial refusal to join a PAM-led government, Benkirane accepted El Mansouri's invitation for a meeting. The PJD had unanimously voted to remain in the parliamentary opposition and not join the next government, citing concerns over the PAM's legitimacy.
El Mansouri has taken a more open approach, pledging to work towards a government "worthy of the expectations" of the King and citizens. She has announced immediate consultations with various parties, including the National Rally of Independents (RNI) and the Istiqlal Party. The RNI, with 66 seats, and Istiqlal, with 65 seats, have agreed to discuss potential alliances with PAM.
The arithmetic appears to favor El Mansouri, as PAM, RNI, and Istiqlal combined hold 228 seats, a working majority on paper. However, the PJD's participation would further solidify her position. Benkirane has promised a strong, reasonable, and non-populist opposition, judging the government on its record.
El Mansouri's appointment marks a historic moment for Morocco, as she becomes the first woman to lead a government. She has expressed her pride in this achievement and her commitment to working in the best interests of the country. The new government's formation will be closely watched, as it faces challenges such as the aftermath of the Gen Z protests and the migration crisis at occupied Ceuta.
The Istiqlal Party's Secretary-General, Nizar Baraka, has stated that no decision has been made on joining the coalition and that their National Council will decide on the matter. The RNI's Secretary-General, Mohamed Chouki, described the talks with El Mansouri as "responsible" and conducted with "clarity and frankness."
As El Mansouri continues her consultations, she faces the task of forming a stable government that can address Morocco's pressing issues. The PAM's victory, its first since its founding in 2008, has raised expectations for the new government's performance. Key points:
Key points
- El Mansouri's PAM party secured 97 seats, the most of any party, in the recent elections.
- The PJD, led by Abdelilah Benkirane, has initially refused to join a PAM-led government.
- El Mansouri's appointment marks a historic moment for Morocco, as she becomes the first woman to lead a government.
