Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri Succeeds Akhannouch
The transfer of power between Aziz Akhannouch and Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri took place on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the headquarters of the government presidency in Rabat. This ceremony marks the effective beginning of the leadership transition at the head of the Executive, following the appointment of the new government by King Mohammed VI the day before.
### An Official Transition at the Helm of the Government
Aziz Akhannouch officially handed over government responsibilities to Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, the national coordinator of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), who was appointed as head of government on September 29.
The ceremony occurred less than twenty-four hours after the new Executive members were appointed at the Royal Palace in Rabat. The government comprises 32 members, including seven women and eleven delegated ministers, emerging from a majority coalition consisting of PAM, the Istiqlal Party, the Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP), and the Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS).
Following the transfer of power, the two officials reviewed key strategic issues and ongoing projects. The discussions particularly focused on the continuation of social projects, support for economic dynamism, and the improvement of public administration efficiency, in line with royal directives.
### Former Partners Now in Opposing Camps
This transition takes place amid a reshaping of Morocco’s political landscape following the legislative elections on September 23, 2026.
During the previous legislature, Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri served as Minister of National Land Management, Urbanism, Housing, and City Policy in Aziz Akhannouch’s government. At that time, PAM participated in the government coalition alongside the National Rally of Independents (RNI) and Istiqlal.
However, the election results have altered the balance of power among these parties. PAM emerged as the leading force with 97 seats in the House of Representatives, while RNI secured 66 seats, down from 102 in the 2021 elections. Istiqlal also won 65 seats.
On October 12, Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri announced the formation of a new majority that excluded RNI. This coalition brings together PAM, Istiqlal, USFP, and PPS, the latter two having occupied opposition seats during the previous legislature.
With a total of 207 deputies out of 395, this majority surpasses the threshold of 198 seats required for an absolute majority in the House of Representatives. Consequently, Aziz Akhannouch’s party is now positioned in the opposition.
### Parliamentary Investiture: The Next Crucial Step
Despite the appointment of the new Executive, its parliamentary investiture remains a critical milestone. Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri is set to present her government’s program before both chambers of Parliament meeting in a joint plenary session on Monday, October 19, 2026, starting at 3 PM.
In accordance with Article 88 of the Constitution, the government can only secure its investiture following the approval of its program by the House of Representatives with an absolute majority of its members.
This deadline comes at a time when the new Executive must also advance on several priority files, notably the preparation of the finance bill for 2027.
The budget proposal must be examined in the Council of Ministers before being submitted to the House of Representatives by the latest on October 20. Fouzi Lekjaa, who previously held the position of Minister Delegate for Budget, is now leading the Ministry of Economy, Finance, and Public Performance.
Thus, the new government team will have to balance the commitments of its program with the Kingdom’s economic and social priorities and immediate budgetary deadlines, while the parliamentary investiture process remains uncompleted.
