AGP Executive Report

2027 Budget: Morocco’s Government Council approved the draft finance bill, putting purchasing power and social protection at the top of the agenda. Plans include expanded health, education and housing support, plus a youth employment program for 2027–2031. Parliament is set to debate the government’s program and budget. Jobs Pledge: El Mansouri’s government retains a target of about one million jobs, but only 250,000 industrial positions are explicitly described as net new jobs. The rest include World Cup-related work, raising questions about how many positions will last beyond 2030. Business Integrity: Morocco’s anti-corruption authority says private companies must help strengthen the national integrity system, as officials and the OECD promote responsible business practices and accountability. Death Penalty: Moroccan rights groups are urging legal reforms and abolition as the country prepares to host the World Congress Against the Death Penalty in 2029.

2027 Budget: Morocco’s Government Council, chaired by Prime Minister Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, approved the draft finance bill for 2027, presented by Finance Minister Fouzi Lekjaa. Government Agenda: Presenting her five-year program to Parliament, El Mansouri pledged action on corruption, social support, youth employment and economic growth, and reaffirmed Morocco’s support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Regional Ties: Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani received a Moroccan delegation led by Karim Zidan, minister delegate for investment and public policy evaluation. Gaza Role: A report says up to 500 Moroccan military and police personnel have trained for a possible Gaza stabilization force deployment; no deployment date has been announced. Rights Debate: Human rights and secularist groups urged the UK to press for the release of Moroccan activist Ibtissame “Betty” Lachgar, serving a 30-month sentence over a T-shirt slogan.

Government Program: Prime Minister Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri presented her 2026–31 agenda to Parliament, promising action on corruption, purchasing power, social protection and jobs. The House of Councillors is set to debate the plan Wednesday. Economic Targets: The government aims for average annual growth of 5%, a 3% budget deficit and public debt near 62% of GDP by 2031. It also plans to double monthly social assistance to MAD 1,000. Integrity and Markets: El Mansouri pledged tougher penalties for illicit enrichment and conflicts of interest, closer scrutiny of public contracts and action against monopolies. Separately, the Competition Council reported more than MAD 43 million in fines in 2025. Sahara Policy: El Mansouri reaffirmed support for autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty and pledged to accelerate development in the southern provinces. She also restated Morocco’s support for a two-state solution to the Palestinian conflict.

Government Shake-up: Morocco’s new government, led by its first woman prime minister, Fatima Zahra El Mansouri, faces an early reshuffle: King Mohammed VI accepted a request to end Madiha Khair’s ministerial duties after controversy over her appointment. Istiqlal is now weighing a new leader for its parliamentary group. Economic Priorities: Fouzi Lekjaa has taken over the Finance Ministry as the government sets 2027 budget priorities, including purchasing-power support and MAD 25 billion for regional development. Sahara Diplomacy: A Spanish Elcano Institute report says Morocco’s ties with Washington have broadened beyond security, with the Sahara issue central to the partnership, and warns Spain risks losing influence over US policy in North Africa. AFCON Appeal: The Court of Arbitration for Sport expects to rule by the end of November on Senegal’s challenge to CAF’s decision awarding Morocco the title.

Government Transition: Aziz Akhannouch formally handed over after five years as head of government to Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, Morocco’s first woman prime minister. Her new cabinet’s first controversy came quickly: King Mohammed VI approved her request to dismiss vocational-training minister Madiha Khayr, two days after her appointment, amid questions over personal documents circulated publicly. Regional Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita joined regional counterparts in calls on security and stability as Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia continue; he also discussed bilateral ties with the UAE. Western Sahara: A UN committee endorsed the Security Council’s position on Morocco’s autonomy plan, while envoy Staffan de Mistura has warned that talks remain deadlocked. A Sahrawi advocate said stronger enforcement measures would be premature. Social Policy: Courts approved 10,691 underage-marriage requests in 2024—about two-thirds of applications, with girls accounting for 98.5% of cases. Economic Policy: Morocco urged the World Bank to expand guarantees and financing for small businesses and give developing countries greater influence in its decisions.

Western Sahara: The UN General Assembly’s Fourth Committee adopted a resolution reaffirming self-determination and referencing Security Council Resolution 2797, which supports Morocco’s autonomy plan as a basis for talks. The vote has prompted competing interpretations ahead of the Council’s next decision. Defense Ties: The US Army plans to test up to 15 counter-drone systems in Tan-Tan during African Lion 2027, strengthening Morocco’s role in US military exercises and technology trials. New Government: King Mohammed VI has appointed Fatima Zahra El Mansouri as Morocco’s first woman prime minister. Her cabinet includes seven women, and Fouzi Lekjaa takes the Finance Ministry. Twelve ministers must give up parliamentary seats under incompatibility rules. 2027 Budget: The King has made purchasing power and regional development priorities, with MAD 25 billion set aside for regional development. The new government faces pressure to deliver on those pledges. Election Appeals: The Constitutional Court has received 38 challenges to September’s parliamentary election results.

New Government: King Mohammed VI has appointed Fatima Zahra El Mansouri as Morocco’s first woman prime minister. Her four-party coalition includes seven women, retains several senior ministers and gives Fouzi Lekjaa the finance portfolio. The cabinet held its first meeting Saturday; its program goes before Parliament on Monday. 2027 Budget: The King’s ministerial council approved the budget’s broad priorities, including MAD 25 billion for regional development, measures to support purchasing power and social assistance, and a new youth program focused on training and jobs. The government forecasts 4.7% growth this year and a deficit of 3% of GDP. Parliamentary Oversight: Twelve ministers are expected to give up their parliamentary seats under incompatibility rules, while the Constitutional Court has received 38 challenges to September’s election results. Sahara Diplomacy: A UN committee backed a Security Council resolution referencing Morocco’s autonomy plan, as Rabat enters a new phase of diplomacy over the dispute.

New Government: King Mohammed VI has formally appointed Fatima Zahra El Mansouri as Morocco’s first woman head of government. Her cabinet includes seven women, keeps several senior ministers in place and promotes Fouzi Lekjaa to economy and finance minister. El Mansouri says the government will pursue an ambitious program focused on citizens’ expectations. Parliamentary Agenda: Both houses meet Monday to hear that program, as MPs seek to restart an unfinished assessment of the Green Morocco Plan, a major agricultural strategy launched under former head of government Aziz Akhannouch. Election Challenges: Morocco’s Constitutional Court has received 38 challenges to September’s parliamentary election results, adding a legal test as the new legislature begins its work.

New Government: King Mohammed VI appointed a 32-member cabinet led by Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, Morocco’s first female head of government. The four-party coalition includes seven women and retains key ministers, while Fouzi Lekjaa takes finance and a new ministry brings artificial intelligence, digital transformation and administrative reform under one portfolio. Election Challenges: The Constitutional Court has received 38 petitions over September’s parliamentary results, with the filing deadline set for October 25. US-Morocco Ties: A visiting US congressional delegation praised the King’s role in regional stability and reviewed defense cooperation, including a 2026–2036 military roadmap. Western Sahara: A UN General Assembly committee vote renewed attention to the territory’s unresolved status, with debate continuing over the next phase of talks. Inclusive Education: Princess Lalla Asmaa inaugurated a Rabat university for hearing sciences, offering free programs to deaf, hard-of-hearing and hearing students.

Western Sahara: The UN General Assembly’s Fourth Committee backed a resolution on the Moroccan Sahara by 152 votes, with two opposed and seven abstentions. The text references Security Council Resolution 2797 and Morocco’s autonomy framework. Government Formation: Parliament has renewed all 395 seats and elected Ahmed Touizi as speaker, completing its bureau and committee leadership. Fatima Zahra El Mansouri’s four-party coalition holds 207 seats as Morocco’s new government takes shape. Spain Tensions: Opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo urged Spain to deploy its navy and summon Morocco’s ambassador over alleged incursions near Ceuta. Madrid has also extended border checks with Italy after the summer migration surge, while King Mohammed VI has called for a new approach to migration cooperation with partners, including Spain.

Government Formation: Morocco’s post-election transition is advancing, with Prime Minister-designate Fatima Zahra El Mansouri announcing a four-party coalition of PAM, Istiqlal, USFP and PPS. The House elected PAM’s Ahmed Touizi as speaker and completed its bureau, while the 2027 budget deadline approaches on October 20. Western Sahara: The UN General Assembly’s Fourth Committee adopted its annual resolution by 152 votes to two, with seven abstentions. Morocco’s ambassador says Security Council Resolution 2797 is shifting UN efforts toward negotiations, though the resolution does not settle the territory’s final status. Spain Ties: King Felipe VI’s visit to Ceuta and Melilla renewed tensions over sovereignty and migration. Spain’s Sánchez has alleged Moroccan naval vessels entered Ceuta’s waters during the July migrant surge, while reaffirming a commitment to constructive relations with Rabat. Security: Moroccan authorities say they dismantled 1,597 migrant-smuggling and human-trafficking networks from 2021 to 2025, with 774 convictions. Morocco also joined a US Army online procurement platform intended to speed allied access to drones and counter-drone systems.

Government Formation: King Mohammed VI was briefed on the stages of forming the new government, as the country’s political transition gathers pace. Parliament: Ahmed Touizi’s election as House speaker and the naming of committee chairs complete the lower house’s new leadership structure. Sahara Talks: UN envoy Staffan de Mistura says negotiations are deadlocked and urges the Security Council to clarify how Morocco’s autonomy plan can anchor the next phase. Ceuta and the EU: A draft summit text recognises Ceuta and Melilla as the EU’s only land border with Africa, but leaves the summer’s mass crossing out of its migration section. Cultural Heritage: Morocco’s national police and museum foundation have agreed to coordinate security and combat theft, forgery and illicit trafficking of cultural objects.

Government Formation: King Mohammed VI received Head of Government-designate Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, who briefed him on coalition talks. Her PAM-led alliance with Istiqlal, USFP and PPS is preparing to govern after the September election; the King urged serious action on public expectations. Parliament: PAM’s Ahmed Touizi was elected House speaker, and lawmakers completed the chamber’s bureau and committee leadership. In Tangier-Assilah, parties are preparing legal challenges over alleged election irregularities. Spain Relations: King Felipe VI reaffirmed Spain’s claim to Ceuta and Melilla during a visit, while Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has called for relations based on trust and good faith. Reports of Moroccan naval incursions near Ceuta have added to tensions. Western Sahara: Morocco’s UN ambassador presented the autonomy plan as a basis for talks under Security Council Resolution 2797; Algeria reiterated its call for self-determination.

Parliament: PAM’s Ahmed Touizi was elected speaker of Morocco’s House of Representatives with 220 votes, as a four-party coalition led by Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri takes shape. The RNI, which led the outgoing government, is moving into opposition. Western Sahara: At the UN, several African countries backed Morocco’s autonomy plan as a basis for talks, while Algeria reaffirmed its support for Sahrawi self-determination, underscoring the divide over the territory’s future. Morocco–Spain: King Felipe VI’s visit to Ceuta sharpened a sensitive sovereignty dispute. He called Spanish control non-negotiable, while Moroccan political voices condemned the visit; King Mohammed VI has called for a reset of migration cooperation with Spain. Economy: Morocco’s economy grew 4.9% in 2025 and its budget deficit narrowed to 3.5% of GDP, but structural unemployment remains a challenge. The IMF praised fiscal consolidation and urged the government to protect vulnerable households while managing public spending. 2030 World Cup: Netflix won exclusive broadcast rights in Spain and Andorra, where Morocco is a co-host; some matches, including Spain’s games and the final, are to remain free-to-air.

Ceuta Tensions: Spain’s King Felipe VI called Ceuta and Melilla “inalienable” parts of Spain during a visit overshadowed by July’s deadly migration surge. He also urged good relations with Morocco, which claims the enclaves. Parliament: PAM’s Ahmed Touizi won the House speakership with 220 votes and pledged closer ties with citizens and stronger legislative oversight. The House is due to elect committee leaders next. New Government: Prime Minister Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, Morocco’s first woman to lead a government, has assembled a four-party coalition of PAM, Istiqlal, USFP and PPS, holding 207 of 395 seats. Western Sahara: UN envoy Staffan de Mistura outlined seven areas for a possible autonomy framework, while Morocco’s UN ambassador backed the kingdom’s plan as a basis for talks. The Polisario Front has threatened to reconsider cooperation with the UN envoy. Election Case: A judge postponed questioning of Tangier Mayor Mounir Lemouri, who faces charges related to alleged interference in election procedures, until November 3.

Parliament: The PJD nominated Idriss Azami for House speaker, challenging PAM candidate Ahmed Touizi as lawmakers vote on the post. Ceuta and Spain: King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia began their first visit to Ceuta since 2007, amid tensions over Morocco’s sovereignty claim and the July migration surge. The trip is a sensitive test for relations between Rabat and Madrid. New Government: PAM has agreed to form a four-party coalition with Istiqlal, USFP and PPS, giving the bloc 207 of 395 parliamentary seats. The RNI, which led the outgoing government, is moving into opposition. Regional Diplomacy: Morocco called at the UN for durable solutions for people in the Tindouf camps, including voluntary return, local integration or resettlement. Rabat also hosted a senior military delegation from eastern Libya, expanding contacts as Libya remains politically divided. Economic Outlook: The IMF projects Morocco’s economy will grow 4.5% in 2026 and 4.2% in 2027, while forecasting unemployment at 12.2% this year.