Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has formally appointed a new government led by Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, marking a historic milestone for the North African country.
PAM, led by Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, entered into a coalition with the right-wing Istiqlal Party and two smaller left-wing parties. Together, the coalition commands 210 seats in Morocco’s 395-member parliament.
Thirteen of the 31 ministers in the previous government have retained their positions, including Nasser Bourita as Foreign Affairs Minister and Abdelouafi Laftit as Interior Minister.
Fouzi Lekjaa, who served as budget minister in the outgoing administration and heads the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, has been promoted to economy minister.
The new cabinet also includes seven women, including the prime minister, matching the number in the previous government.
Following her audience with the king, El Mansouri said the administration would pursue an “ambitious government programme that can meet citizens’ expectations”.
The September elections recorded the lowest voter turnout in nearly 20 years, amid concerns over the rising cost of living, unemployment and inequality.
The incoming government is expected to address these domestic challenges while preparing for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
