Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri reviews party consultations ahead of government coalition talks

Saturday 03 - 11:26

Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri is moving into the next phase of efforts to form Morocco’s new government, with coalition options expected to become clearer as several major political parties convene their national decision-making bodies on Saturday.

The head of government-designate and coordinator of the collective leadership of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) met with the party’s political bureau and regional secretaries ahead of an extraordinary session of the PAM National Council in Skhirat.

During the meeting, El Mansouri briefed party officials on the outcome of consultations held with political parties on Wednesday and Thursday. The discussions involved the National Rally of Independents (RNI), Istiqlal, the Popular Movement (MP), the Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP), the Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS), the Constitutional Union (UC) and the Democratic and Social Movement (MDC).

The consultations form part of the process launched following El Mansouri’s appointment by King Mohammed VI on September 29 to form a new government. The PAM emerged as the largest party in the September 23 legislative elections, leaving it with the task of building a parliamentary coalition rather than governing alone.

Saturday meetings could clarify coalition options

The political landscape is expected to become more defined on Saturday as the PAM, RNI and Istiqlal hold meetings of their respective national bodies.

For the PAM, the National Council session in Skhirat provides an opportunity for the party leadership to assess the first round of consultations and establish the political framework for the next stage of government formation. Reports indicate that the party’s leadership is examining the available options for constructing the future parliamentary majority.

The RNI and Istiqlal will also bring their own national institutions together on the same day. Their deliberations could provide further indications of how the parties view participation in the forthcoming government and the conditions surrounding possible cooperation.

However, consultations with political parties do not in themselves constitute agreements on government participation. The composition of the future majority remains subject to further negotiations and formal decisions.

Government formation enters a decisive stage

El Mansouri’s discussions with parliamentary parties come just days after her appointment as Morocco’s first woman to head the government. Her mandate now involves assembling a cabinet capable of securing parliamentary support before the opening of the new legislative term.

The next stage will therefore depend not only on the outcome of the parties’ internal deliberations, but also on the final coalition arrangements and the allocation of ministerial responsibilities.

The government’s composition is expected to be finalized ahead of the opening of the legislative session scheduled for October 9. The process will culminate in the presentation of the government and its programme to Parliament, marking the formal transition from coalition negotiations to the new executive’s institutional agenda.