Morocco Inaugurates First Female Prime Minister Fatima El Mansouri, Swears In New Government

Morocco's new government, led by its first female prime minister, Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, was officially sworn in on Friday. The ceremony was presided over by King Mohammed VI. Several key ministers from the previous government have retained their positions, including Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit. El Mansouri's cabinet comprises 20 members, with an additional 11 ministers delegate.

The formation of this government follows the electoral victory of Ms. El Mansouri's centrist Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) on September 23. The party secured a coalition deal with three other political groups this week. This coalition, which includes moderate socialist parties and the nationalist Istiqlal party, collectively holds 207 seats in parliament, surpassing the 198 seats required for a majority.

Among the ministers who kept their portfolios are Justice Minister Abdel Latif Wahbi, Nizar Baraka as Minister of Equipment, Water and Forests, Riadh Mezzour as Minister of Industry, Trade, Investment and Economic Integration, and Abdellatif Loudiyi as Minister Delegate in charge of Defence. Fouzi Lekjaa, who also heads Morocco's football federation and previously served as budget minister, has been appointed as the economy and finance minister, according to state news agency MAP. Khalid Hatimi, a PAM member, is the new Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries and Food Sovereignty.

Nabil Benabdallah, leader of the Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS) and a former housing minister, returns to government as Education Minister. His fellow PPS member, Charafat Afailal, has been named Energy Minister. Ms. Afailal is one of two women appointed by Ms. El Mansouri to ministerial roles, the other being Najwa Kokos, who is responsible for the portfolio of Family, Social Development and Equality. Additionally, four of the eleven ministers delegate are women.

The newly formed government faces significant challenges, including addressing unemployment and meeting demands for improved education and healthcare services. It will also be tasked with overseeing the final preparations for the 2030 World Cup, a major event that Morocco will co-host with Portugal and Spain, involving an investment of $20 billion.