Morocco's New Government, Led by a Woman Premier, Faces Steep Challenges Amidst Continuity

King Mohammed VI of Morocco appointed a new government on October 16, 2026, headed by Prime Minister Fatima Zohra Al Mansouri. This appointment marks a historic moment as Al Mansouri is the first woman to lead the government in Morocco, a development that garnered significant international media attention. However, within Morocco, the focus is on Al Mansouri's affiliation with the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), which secured the majority of seats in the September parliamentary elections. PAM was founded by Ali Himma, a close associate and advisor to the king, and its dominance in the new coalition government, formed with three other parties, suggests a continuation of existing policies rather than a radical shift.

PAM's trajectory is key to understanding the new government's direction. Established in 2008 to counter the influence of political Islam, particularly the Justice and Development Party (PJD), PAM's rise occurred against the backdrop of the Arab Spring, which opened more political space for parties like the PJD and somewhat diminished the power of the establishment, known as the Makhzen. Although Himma distanced himself from PAM in 2011 to become an advisor to the king, the party continued to be perceived as linked to the Makhzen. Despite this perception, PAM worked to gain legitimacy, becoming a significant political force by the 2016 elections, where it secured the second-highest number of votes.

The party further solidified its position by participating as a coalition partner in the 2021 government, rejuvenating its ranks and gaining experience. In the most recent elections, PAM finally emerged victorious. However, this victory must be viewed in the context of a low voter turnout, with 62 percent of eligible voters abstaining, and reports of electoral irregularities, though concrete evidence was difficult to obtain due to the non-release of official records in some instances. The election also saw the common practice of prominent figures joining parties shortly before the vote to enhance their electoral appeal, such as Faouzi Laaqjea, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, joining PAM just two months prior to the election.

To form a parliamentary majority, PAM allied with parties that had previously questioned its legitimacy, a move that may enhance PAM's credibility while potentially diminishing that of its coalition partners. Notably, over half of the previous government's members have been retained, including those in the crucial 'sovereign ministries' directly overseen by the king. This continuity has led some Moroccans to question the purpose of the elections.

The new government faces a demanding agenda aimed at addressing mounting domestic pressures, particularly the escalating cost-of-living crisis. A 2027 Finance Bill presented at the first Council of Ministers meeting, chaired by the king on October 17, prioritizes social issues, citizens' purchasing power, and youth inclusion. However, this domestic agenda is confronted by an unfavorable international economic climate, characterized by rising energy prices and increased costs for key Moroccan sectors like phosphate production. The state-owned OCP Group, a major source of national wealth, is currently navigating challenging times. Furthermore, the potential impact of El Nino, which could exacerbate dry weather conditions, poses a threat to food security, especially after seven consecutive years of drought.

Tourism, another vital revenue stream, is also vulnerable to a global travel slowdown, rising transportation costs, and geopolitical tensions in the Gulf and Europe. These challenging external circumstances, coupled with broad public skepticism, create an unfavorable environment for the new government. Additionally, an experienced and vocal opposition, comprising both the Islamist PJD and the radical left, will scrutinize the government's actions.

Even ministers in the 'sovereign portfolios' face significant hurdles. The foreign minister must navigate public opposition to the normalization of relations with Israel. The interior minister is tasked with addressing allegations of electoral manipulation. The minister of religious affairs is dealing with the repercussions of controversial statements regarding Morocco's secular nature and remarks about Ceuta (known in Morocco as Sebta) made during a religious ceremony, which were poorly received by Spanish authorities. While the new government has an ambitious program, its term will undoubtedly be defined by difficult domestic and international circumstances largely beyond its control.