RNI signals readiness to join Morocco’s next government

Yesterday 14:44

Morocco’s National Rally of Independents (RNI) has formally opened the door to participation in the country’s next government, following an extraordinary session of its National Council in Rabat on Saturday.

The party’s governing body authorized its president, Mohamed Chaouki, to oversee negotiations concerning the RNI’s possible participation in the incoming executive, with the party framing its position around what it describes as the national interest.

The decision comes as consultations over the formation of a new governing majority get underway. Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri has been appointed to lead the government, and the RNI was the first political party received during the initial round of consultations on Wednesday.

RNI acknowledges electoral setback

The National Council also addressed the party’s performance in the latest legislative elections, openly acknowledging a decline in its electoral standing.

At the same time, the RNI argued that the results confirm its continued presence as a significant political force and said the party retains the organizational and political capacity to continue its activities while drawing lessons from the vote.

The party linked part of its electoral decline to the political consequences of having governed Morocco for five years. Its assessment points to the pressures and political costs associated with exercising executive power during the previous legislative period.

The RNI had led the governing majority under Aziz Akhannouch, with its ministers and parliamentary representatives playing a central role in the outgoing administration.

PAM victory recognized

The party also formally acknowledged the new balance of political forces emerging from the elections. Its National Council congratulated the leadership and activists of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) on coming first in the legislative vote.

The RNI said it respected the outcome of the ballot and the choices expressed by voters, while also congratulating El Mansouri on her appointment as head of government.

The party described her nomination as reflecting the constitutional framework and democratic process, while highlighting the significance of the appointment for the representation of Moroccan women in political leadership.

Party defends record in government

Despite admitting its electoral setback, the RNI used the National Council meeting to defend the record of the outgoing majority.

A political report presented by Chaouki highlighted what the party considers key achievements during the previous legislative term, including reforms, major development projects, measures aimed at strengthening the resilience of the national economy and the consolidation of Morocco’s social state.

The National Council also praised the work carried out by RNI ministers and parliamentarians and paid tribute to the administration led by Akhannouch, particularly its management of the governing majority and implementation of government policies.

The assessment reflects the party’s attempt to reconcile its reduced electoral performance with its view of the previous government’s record.

RNI reiterates position on Western Sahara

The party also reaffirmed its position on Morocco’s Western Sahara policy, expressing continued support for the diplomatic approach led by King Mohammed VI.

In its final communiqué, the RNI pointed to international developments that it considers supportive of Morocco’s position and reiterated its backing for the autonomy initiative as a solution within what it describes as Morocco’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

A new phase for the RNI

The extraordinary National Council meeting places the RNI at a new stage after five years in government and an electoral decline.

Rather than ruling out a role in the next administration, the party has signaled its willingness to take part in the emerging governing coalition. The practical terms of that participation will now depend on the political consultations led by Chaouki and the broader negotiations surrounding the formation of the new executive.

For the RNI, the immediate challenge is therefore twofold: absorb the lessons of the latest election while determining how its experience in government will shape its position within Morocco’s next political majority.