Morocco’s first female head of government, Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, has taken office with a four-party coalition holding a parliamentary majority. Foreign and interior ministers keep their posts as Fouzi Lekjaa takes charge of economy and finance. The new administration faces demands for better public services and jobs alongside preparations for the 2030 World Cup.
Geopolitics··Evening
A four-party coalition takes office
Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri’s new Moroccan government took its oath on 16 October at a ceremony presided over by King Mohammed VI. She is the first woman to head a government in Morocco. The cabinet follows a coalition agreement among four parties after the parliamentary election on 23 September. The alliance has a parliamentary majority, with several senior members of the previous administration continuing in their posts.[1], [2]
El Mansouri’s centrist Authenticity and Modernity Party, known as PAM, won the election and reached an agreement with three other parties. Its partners include the nationalist Istiqlal and moderate socialist parties. Together they hold 207 seats, exceeding the 198 needed for a majority. The government’s formation completes the transition from the election to the appointment of the new executive.[1]
Lekjaa moves to economy and finance
Fouzi Lekjaa, the football federation president and former budget minister, was appointed economy and finance minister. Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit retained their roles, as did Justice Minister Abdel Latif Wahbi. The changes therefore put a new officeholder in charge of the economy while preserving the ministers responsible for foreign affairs, internal administration and justice.[1], [2]
Other continuing officeholders include Nizar Baraka, responsible for equipment, water and forests, and Riadh Mezzour, with the industry, trade, investment and economic integration portfolio. Abdellatif Loudiyi remains minister delegate responsible for defence. PAM politician Khalid Hatimi joins the cabinet with responsibility for agriculture, maritime fisheries and food sovereignty.[1]
Public services and World Cup preparations await
Nabil Benabdallah, leader of the Party of Progress and Socialism and a former housing minister, returned to government as education minister. Fellow party member Charafat Afailal received the energy portfolio. Najwa Kokos was appointed to family, social development and equality. The incoming administration faces demands to reduce unemployment and improve education and health services. It also takes responsibility for the final stages of a roughly 20 billion dollar effort preparing Morocco to co-host the 2030 football World Cup with Portugal and Spain.[1]
