Morocco’s USFP Backs Government Participation as Coalition Negotiations Begin

11:15

The Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP) has approved its participation in Morocco’s next government, opening the way for negotiations over the party’s role in the future executive and the commitments it expects to secure.

The decision was adopted on Saturday by the party’s National Council during a meeting in Rabat. Members also authorized First Secretary Driss Lachgar to negotiate with the designated Head of Government on behalf of the USFP regarding the proposed offer to join the executive.

The move establishes the party’s willingness to participate in the next governing coalition while leaving the terms of its involvement to be discussed.

Negotiations to define the party’s role

The National Council reached its decision following discussions on the party’s political and social report, its assessment of recent electoral contests and the challenges facing Morocco in the coming period. Lachgar presented these assessments before members deliberated on the proposed government participation.

In a statement, the council linked its position to the USFP’s electoral programme, which emphasizes balanced and equitable development. It also cited shared values and political orientations with the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), identified in the statement as the party that will lead the government, as well as with other political forces involved in forming the expected majority.

The USFP described these common ground positions as a basis for engaging in the next phase of government formation.

However, the party’s approval does not itself establish the final terms of participation. The negotiations led by Lachgar are expected to address how the party’s priorities can be reflected in government policy and translated into concrete commitments.

Emphasis on measurable government commitments

Beyond securing a place in the executive, the National Council stressed the importance of ensuring consistency between the government’s political programme, its institutional structure and the resources available to implement its policies.

According to the party’s statement, participation should contribute to democratic development and stronger institutions, while ensuring that political proposals become clearly defined government commitments.

The council also underscored the need for mechanisms to assess implementation and measure the results achieved. This approach places policy delivery and accountability among the issues the party says should guide its engagement with the future administration.

The emphasis on implementation reflects the USFP’s stated intention to connect its electoral programme with the priorities and operational capacity of the incoming government.

Parliamentary oversight remains a priority

Alongside the negotiations over government participation, the National Council called on the party’s parliamentary groups to step up their legislative initiatives, scrutiny of government action and policy evaluation.

It also urged lawmakers to strengthen their engagement with citizens on the ground, maintaining links between parliamentary activity and the party’s political principles.

The council called on the USFP’s organizational structures and members to preserve internal unity, sustain political mobilization and continue developing the party’s political project. It further emphasized the importance of monitoring government commitments and evaluating their implementation.

These instructions indicate that the party intends to maintain an active parliamentary role alongside its potential participation in the executive.

Government formation enters a new phase

The USFP’s decision adds another step to the process of assembling Morocco’s next government. With Lachgar authorized to negotiate on the party’s behalf, attention now turns to the conditions of participation and the extent to which the USFP’s policy priorities can be incorporated into the future government programme.

The outcome of these discussions will determine the practical scope of the party’s involvement, including how its stated priorities on equitable development, democratic institutions and public accountability are reflected in the government’s commitments.

For now, the National Council has established the party’s political position: readiness to join the next government, accompanied by a mandate to negotiate the details and a call for continued parliamentary oversight.