Morocco’s not-so-new government faces new challenges | Politics
Morocco Appoints First Female Prime Minister, Faces Political and Economic Challenges
RABAT, Morocco — On October 16, King Mohammed VI appointed Prime Minister Fatima Zohra Al Mansouri to lead the new Moroccan government, marking a historic moment as she becomes the first woman to hold this position in the country’s history.
Al Mansouri, a member of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), steps into her role after the party secured the most seats in the parliamentary elections held in September. PAM was founded by Ali Himma, a close associate of the king, and has formed a coalition government with three other political parties, indicating a preference for continuity within the existing political landscape rather than significant change.
The evolution of PAM is crucial to understanding the direction of the new government. Established in 2008, the party was created to counter the rise of political Islam in Morocco, particularly the Justice and Development Party (PJD). The Arab Spring prompted widespread protests in 2011 that redefined Morocco’s political dynamics, opening space for parties like the PJD and challenging the authority of the establishment, commonly referred to as the Makhzen.
Although Himma distanced himself from PAM in 2011 and became an adviser to the king, the party remained perceived as closely aligned with the Makhzen. Despite this stigma, PAM worked to rebrand itself and in the 2016 elections emerged as a legitimate political force by securing the second-largest share of votes, though it was unable to assume leadership of the government at that time.
In the latest elections, PAM finally achieved victory. However, voter turnout was notably low, with approximately 62 percent of eligible voters abstaining. Reports of electoral irregularities and the late entry of popular figures into the party, such as Faouzi Laaqjea, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, have raised questions about the integrity of the election process.
To establish its majority, PAM had to align with parties that previously challenged its legitimacy, potentially jeopardizing the credibility of those coalition partners. The new administration retains over half of the previous government’s members, including officials overseeing the so-called sovereign ministries, which directly report to the king. Critics of the electoral process have questioned the value of the elections given the continuity of leadership.
Looking ahead, the new government has pledged to address pressing domestic issues amid a growing cost-of-living crisis. During the first Council of Ministers meeting on October 17, the government introduced a 2027 Finance Bill focused on social issues, enhancing citizens’ purchasing power, and increasing youth participation in the economy.
However, the government’s ambitious agenda faces significant external challenges. The international economic climate is unfavorable, characterized by rising energy prices and increased manufacturing costs, particularly for key sectors like phosphate production. The state-owned OCP Group, which oversees Morocco’s phosphate industry, is currently grappling with difficult conditions.
Concerns over the potential impacts of El Nino, which could exacerbate drought conditions following seven consecutive years of low rainfall, threaten the nation’s food security. Additionally, tourism, a critical revenue source, may suffer due to the broader global economic slowdown and rising travel costs.
The government also faces skepticism from the public as it contends with an experienced opposition, including the Islamist PJD and radical left factions. Key ministers will navigate contentious issues: the foreign minister will address public unrest regarding normalization with Israel, the interior minister will confront allegations of electoral impropriety, and the minister of religious affairs will deal with backlash from remarks about Morocco’s secular identity.
As the new government embarks on its tenure, it does so under challenging circumstances, both domestically and internationally, which may influence its ability to fulfill its agenda.
