Morocco's path to forming a new government began on Wednesday, as Prime Minister-designate Fatima Zahra El Mansouri initiated consultations with various political parties. El Mansouri was appointed by King Mohammed VI following the September 23 legislative elections, in which the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) emerged as the leading party. The first meeting was held with a delegation from the National Rally of Independents (RNI) at the PAM headquarters in Rabat.
The RNI delegation, led by Mohamed Chouki, included prominent party members Rashid Talbi Alami and Mohamed Boussaid. They were received by PAM leaders, including Abdel Latif Wahbi, Fouzi Lekjaa, and Ahmed Akhchichene. This meeting marks the beginning of a series of consultations aimed at determining the contours of the majority that will lead the next government. The talks are crucial in shaping the country's future governance.
Notably, the PAM and RNI had a contentious relationship during the election campaign. Talbi Alami had made recorded comments, allegedly leaked from the RNI's political bureau, accusing Lekjaa of intimidating and enticing PAM candidates to join the RNI. Lekjaa had also made public remarks, accusing the RNI of being the real perpetrators of economic hardship and depriving Moroccans of the benefits of the 2021 census.
Despite these past tensions, Talbi Alami and Lekjaa met in a cordial atmosphere during the consultations, signaling a potential shift in their relationship. This development could be seen as a message from the PAM that former adversaries can become allies. Other parties, including the Independence Party, have also begun their own consultations with the PAM.
The Independence Party, led by Aziz Rabbah and Nabil Benabdellah, has started its own talks with the PAM. The party's list of potential ministers includes prominent figures such as Mohamed Berraka and Mustapha Ould Al Rashid. These developments indicate that the government formation process is gaining momentum.
Following the meeting with the RNI delegation, Prime Minister-designate El Mansouri stated that the discussions were clear and focused on the national interest. She emphasized that her party is committed to working with other parties to ensure the country's stability and prosperity.
The consultations are expected to continue in the coming days, as El Mansouri seeks to build a coalition that will support her government's agenda. The new government's priorities will likely focus on addressing the country's economic and social challenges, as well as implementing reforms to improve the lives of Moroccans.
Key points
- The new government formation talks in Morocco have begun, led by Prime Minister-designate Fatima Zahra El Mansouri.
