The National Rally of Independents (RNI) has been excluded from government participation during internal discussions by the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), while the Istiqlal Council has officially mandated Nizar Baraka to negotiate its own place in the upcoming coalition, according to recent political disclosures. These developments shape the ongoing formation of Morocco’s government under the newly designated leadership.
El Mansouri, designated on September 29 by King Mohammed VI to form the government following her party's legislative victory, now faces complex coalition talks among key political figures.
Party excludes RNI from internal planning
The PAM has decided to exclude the RNI from its internal planning, though it has not yet formalised the decision before its militants, Le Desk reported. To manage the ongoing government formation, the PAM leadership team includes El Mansouri, Fouzi Lekjaa, Mehdi Akhchichine, and Abdellatif Ouahbi, as detailed by Le Matin.ma.
These internal moves highlight shifting alliances within parliament. The party’s designated negotiating team is steering the initial phase of coalition building following the electoral outcome.
Istiqlal Mandates Baraka for Negotiations
Parallel to the PAM’s internal deliberations, the National Council of the Istiqlal Party held an extraordinary session. Medias24 reported that the council officially mandated Nizar Baraka to negotiate the party’s participation in the upcoming government.
Footage and coverage of the extraordinary session, highlighted by Le360, showed party cadres organizing their strategy ahead of formal coalition meetings with the head of government-designate.
Scholars weigh protocol for religious ceremonies
Beyond party politics, the transition introduces unprecedented questions regarding state protocol and religious ceremonies. An analysis published by El País and reported by Bladi.net noted that previous prime ministers traditionally prayed alongside King Mohammed VI during major religious events such as Eid al-Adha, while women typically pray in distinct spaces.
The Spanish daily raised the possibility of a dispensation from Islamic legal scholars, or oulémas, to accommodate El Mansouri’s participation in these official religious ceremonies, though it did not report a finalized decision. Article 41 of the Moroccan Constitution establishes the king’s role as Amir Al-Mouminine, or Commander of the Faithful, and designates the Superior Council of Oulemas as the sole authority for official religious consultations, without explicitly addressing the positioning of a female head of government during royal prayers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designated El Mansouri to form the government?
King Mohammed VI designated El Mansouri on September 29 following her party’s victory in the legislative elections.
Who will lead the coalition consultations for the PAM?
The negotiating team comprises El Mansouri, Fouzi Lekjaa, Mehdi Akhchichine, and Abdellatif Ouahbi, according to Le Matin.ma.
What mandate did the Istiqlal Party give to Nizar Baraka?
The National Council of the Istiqlal Party mandated Baraka to negotiate the party’s participation in the new government, as reported by Medias24.
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