Morocco's first female prime minister secures deal to form government

Morocco’s incoming prime minister, Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, has finalized an agreement with three other political parties to establish a coalition government, according to The National. The pact ensures the country's first female prime minister will command a working legislative majority.

The governing alliance unites El Mansouri's centrist Authenticity and Modernity Party with moderate socialist groups and the nationalist Istiqlal party. Combined, the bloc commands 207 seats in parliament, surpassing the threshold of 198 seats required to secure a legislative majority following last month’s national elections.

El Mansouri, 50, previously led the urban planning and housing ministry under former prime minister Aziz Akhannouch starting in 2021. Her political trajectory also includes an earlier tenure as mayor of Marrakesh, culminating in her historic appointment as prime minister in September after her party emerged victorious at the polls. Her party, established in 2008 by an adviser to the monarch, emphasizes social modernization within the kingdom.

In a joint announcement, the coalition partners described the pact as the foundation for a resilient government grounded in political and ideological compatibility. The allied factions stated they share a unified reformist agenda and intend to present ministerial nominees recognized for integrity, administrative skill, and political insight to execute their upcoming policy platform.

The new administration faces pressing domestic challenges, particularly concerning the economy and the labor market. The coalition has committed to safeguarding consumer purchasing power through market oversight and higher wages, with a sharp focus on reducing joblessness. Official figures highlight youth unemployment between the ages of 15 and 24 at 29.2 percent, prompting a target to assist one million young jobseekers during the 2027 to 2031 period.

Broader strategic goals outlined by the leadership include investments in digital tools, artificial intelligence adoption, and upgrades across the national education and healthcare networks. The government also intends to safeguard state finances while strengthening domestic supplies of food, water, and power.

Additionally, the incoming cabinet will be tasked with directing the concluding preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, a tournament Morocco will co-host alongside Spain and Portugal.