Coalition Building in Morocco: A Critical Political Move

In a significant political maneuver, Morocco has embarked on coalition-building efforts as the deadline for the national budget approaches. On September 30, 2026, Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, appointed Head of Government by the King, initiated consultations aimed at enabling the National Rally of Independents (PAM) to secure a majority in the Chamber of Representatives. The first round of discussions included a delegation from the RNI, led by Mohamed Chaouki, followed by meetings with the Istiqlal party, represented by Nizar Baraka. Subsequent discussions are expected to involve other parties such as the Mouvement Populaire, the USFP, and the PPS.

Mehdi Bensaïd, a member of PAM’s leadership team, emphasized the importance of consulting every party with a parliamentary group, including the Justice and Development Party (PJD), which has already opted for the opposition. El Mansouri has reached out to PJD leader Abdelilah Benkirane to propose a meeting that will address not only coalition dynamics but also broader national issues that impact all parties involved.

Time is of the Essence: The Urgency of Coalition Talks

Following these discussions, Bensaïd indicated that El Mansouri will report back to PAM’s political bureau regarding the positions and potential demands of prospective coalition partners. Each party will need to adhere to its internal procedures, and the final decision will rest with PAM’s national council. While Bensaïd refrained from disclosing favored coalition scenarios, he urged patience, highlighting that initial meetings do not guarantee a coalition agreement.

The urgency of the situation is underscored by the approaching parliamentary deadlines. Both the RNI and Istiqlal parties have acknowledged the need for internal consultations before confirming their participation in the coalition. Chaouki characterized the initial discussions as responsible and transparent, while Baraka noted that the matter will be escalated to his party’s national council. Regardless of the outcome, Istiqlal has expressed its intention to support the new coalition with PAM.

The calendar imposes a pressing need for swift action, as Bensaïd pointed out that the finance bill must be presented to the Chamber of Representatives by October 20 at the latest. He hinted that prolonged negotiations, similar to those witnessed in 2021, which saw a significant delay between the nomination of Aziz Akhannouch and the formation of his government, must be avoided.

As reported by northafricapost.com.