Istiqlal backs participation in Morocco’s next government

Yesterday 16:26

The Istiqlal Party has formally opted to join Morocco’s next government, giving its leadership a mandate to continue negotiations with the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) over the formation of the new governing majority.

The decision was approved unanimously by the party’s National Council during an extraordinary session on Saturday, marking a significant step in the coalition-building process following the September 23 legislative elections. Nizar Baraka, the party’s secretary-general, and the Istiqlal Executive Committee were tasked with pursuing discussions with the PAM leadership.

Istiqlal moves from consultation to coalition talks

The decision follows recent consultations between Baraka and Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, who was appointed head of government on September 29 after the PAM emerged as the leading party in the legislative elections. El Mansouri is now responsible for assembling a parliamentary majority capable of supporting her government.

During the initial discussions, the Istiqlal leadership examined the broad direction outlined for the future administration. According to Baraka, the proposed government is intended to operate around coherent sectoral groupings, clearer institutional responsibilities and defined rules for coordinating government action.

For Istiqlal, the emphasis placed on efficiency and public service is particularly important. The party has sought to connect its participation in government with the implementation of commitments made during the electoral campaign, including stronger action against corruption and greater responsiveness to citizens.

The latest decision therefore moves the party beyond the exploratory stage of the coalition process. Rather than simply supporting the new political phase from outside, Istiqlal has chosen to engage directly in negotiations over the composition and priorities of the future executive.

Employment and purchasing power at the center

The coalition talks are unfolding against a backdrop of economic and social pressures that Istiqlal has identified as central to the next government’s agenda.

Among the party’s priorities are job creation and reducing unemployment, particularly among young people. It also wants the next administration to focus on protecting household purchasing power, strengthening the economic and social integration of younger generations, increasing women's participation and expanding the middle class.

These issues are likely to form part of the broader policy discussions as the parties negotiate the foundations of the next government.

The focus on employment and purchasing power also reflects the wider challenges facing the incoming administration. The PAM won the largest number of seats in the September elections but did not secure an absolute majority on its own, making coalition negotiations necessary before a government can be fully formed.

A broader political agenda

Beyond domestic economic and social questions, Istiqlal has also placed national issues among the priorities it expects the future government to address.

Baraka has stressed the importance of restoring public confidence in political action, arguing that credibility depends on political parties delivering on their commitments and strengthening their role in public life. During the consultations with El Mansouri, he also highlighted the need to rebuild confidence among young people, women and citizens more broadly.

The party's participation will consequently be shaped not only by discussions over ministerial positions but also by the policy framework and governing principles of the new coalition.

For El Mansouri, the inclusion of Istiqlal represents another step in assembling the parliamentary support required for her administration. The PAM’s National Council separately authorized El Mansouri to continue negotiations with political parties, with formal coalition discussions expected to advance during the coming days.

The next phase will determine how the parties translate their respective electoral programmes into a common government agenda, and how the future majority distributes responsibilities across the executive.

With Istiqlal now committed to entering the coalition process, negotiations are shifting toward the practical architecture of Morocco’s next government.