King Mohammed VI on Friday formally appointed the members of Morocco’s new government. It is the first time in the country’s history that the government is led by a woman, Prime Minister Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri.
Following her audience with the king, Mansouri described an “ambitious government programme that can meet citizens’ expectations.”
Coalition formed after September elections
Mansouri’s centre-right Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) finished first in the September elections. It has now formed a coalition with the right-wing Istiqlal party and two smaller left-wing parties.
Together, the coalition holds 210 of the parliament’s 395 seats.
Key ministers retained and new appointments
Thirteen of the 31 ministers from the previous government kept their posts. Among them are Nasser Bourita, who remains foreign minister, and Abdelouafi Laftit, who stays as interior minister.
Fouzi Lekjaa, a PAM newcomer, has been promoted from budget minister to economy minister. He is better known as head of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation. The cabinet includes seven women, counting the prime minister, the same number as the previous government.
Public concerns the new administration must address
The September vote recorded its lowest turnout in nearly 20 years. It took place against concerns about the cost of living, employment and inequality.
The incoming government must tackle these issues while also preparing for the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
