AGP Executive Report

Royal Agenda: King Mohammed VI urged Morocco’s new Parliament to speed up regional development, strengthen water, energy and food security, and put youth employment at the centre of policy. He called for more private investment and warned that delays in devolving powers to regions must end. Coalition Talks: Head of government Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri has yet to secure a majority, and negotiations are shifting to the tougher questions of cabinet posts and government structure ahead of an approaching budget deadline. Defence Industry: UAE group EDGE signed a framework deal with Morocco’s defence authorities to explore local production of small arms and aircraft engines, adding to a separate agreement to supply precision weapons. Digital Policy: Morocco’s “AI Made in Morocco” roadmap targets a 100-billion-dirham GDP contribution, 50,000 jobs and 200,000 trained AI workers by 2030. Parliament: Several parties have chosen women to lead their parliamentary groups, including Istiqlal and the Left Alliance.

Royal Agenda: King Mohammed VI opened Parliament by urging the new government to put youth opportunities first, speed up regional decentralization and balance growth with social equity. He also called for a new framework for cooperation with Spain, saying migration arrangements have become outdated and must not be shaped by pressure. Morocco-Spain Tensions: The remarks come as teenage migrants remain stranded on Ceuta’s streets and Morocco says the current migration partnership has reached its limits. Defence Industry: At the Marrakech Airshow, the UAE’s EDGE agreed to supply precision-guided weapons for Moroccan drones, while Morocco pursues plans to build more defence production locally. Sahara Diplomacy: Senegal renewed its support for Morocco’s autonomy plan at the UN, as a Sahrawi official warned against treating the dispute as a geopolitical bargaining chip.

Royal Agenda: King Mohammed VI opened the new legislature by calling for an immediate transfer of powers, staff and funding to Morocco’s regions, saying further delays were “unacceptable.” He also urged action on strategic reserves, water, energy, food security, industry and AI. Parliamentary Scrutiny: Opposition groups said they will judge the incoming government on delivery, particularly regionalization, youth policy and sovereignty. The King also received the outgoing government’s final report on its work with Parliament. Morocco–Spain: The King said migration cooperation had reached its limits after the Ceuta crisis, criticized Spanish court rulings affecting returns and rejected pressure, while proposing a new framework for partnership. Defense and Diplomacy: Israeli arms firms joined the Marrakech Air Show under an official delegation, highlighting closer defense ties. Separately, the Court of Arbitration for Sport has opened Senegal’s appeal against CAF’s decision to award Morocco the AFCON title; the verdict remains pending.

Parliament and Government: Morocco’s new Parliament opened its first session as lawmakers awaited King Mohammed VI’s priorities for the five-year term. Prime Minister-designate Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri is still negotiating her government. Defence Industry: At the Marrakech Air Show, Morocco advanced plans to build domestic arms capacity. EDGE signed an agreement to explore local production of small arms and drone engines, while Moroccan Military Industry expects to begin delivering locally made turrets in 2027. Israel’s defence ministry also opened its first pavilion at the show, highlighting closer military ties. Election Oversight: A Tangier court has begun detailed questioning in an investigation into alleged ballot manipulation. Public Administration: Morocco is expanding the use of Amazigh in public services in 2026.

AFCON Appeal: CAS has heard Senegal’s challenge to the decision awarding Morocco the 2025 title after Senegal’s players walked off during the final. The court says a ruling is expected, but has set no firm date. Election Probe: A Tangier judge began questioning four detainees over alleged ballot manipulation in the September legislative elections; the case also involves Mayor Mounir Laymouri. New Legislature: King Mohammed VI is scheduled to chair Friday’s opening of the first session of the 12th legislature. Migration: Spain says 11,026 migrants have returned from Ceuta to Morocco since August 10, including 513 expulsions; 2,783 returns came in the latest nine days. Industry and Defense: At the Marrakech Airshow, Morocco showcased plans to build more advanced aerospace and defense capabilities, with industry leaders targeting $5 billion in annual aerospace exports within three years. Women in Politics: A monitoring study recorded 628 cases of online abuse targeting 42 women candidates during the election campaign, including defamation, gender-based insults and rumors.

Parliament: King Mohammed VI will open the first session of the 12th legislature on Friday and address both chambers, as Morocco’s new government faces pressure to deliver on reform. AFCON Ruling: The CAS hearing on Senegal’s appeal over Morocco’s disputed 2025 title has ended; the court expects to rule within days. Defence Industry: At the Marrakech Air Show, officials outlined plans to build domestic defence capacity, with Morocco signing aerospace and defence agreements. Coalition Talks: Prime Minister Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri is working to assemble a government, while unions are pressing for action on purchasing power, health care and reform. Western Sahara: UN discussions have brought renewed support for Morocco’s autonomy plan, adding momentum to Rabat’s diplomatic campaign.

New Government: Prime Minister Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri is forming Morocco’s first cabinet led by a woman after her PAM party won September’s election. Trade unions are pressing the incoming government to address purchasing power, healthcare and reform, as it faces a challenging parliament and public expectations. Citizen Mobilization: A new HACA study finds social media has become a key tool for political participation, especially among young people, while warning of disinformation and polarization. Sahara Diplomacy: At the UN, petitioners welcomed growing support for Morocco’s autonomy plan, while Sahrawi representatives reiterated their call for independence. Security Ties: Morocco and the EU held talks on security cooperation and regional stability, as Rabat also deepened military ties with the UAE.

Government Formation: Morocco’s next coalition is taking shape with the PAM seeking a central role and the RNI reportedly outside the majority. The new government will face pressure to deliver on social promises amid tight budget constraints. Security Ties: Morocco and the EU held a second high-level security dialogue in Brussels, deepening cooperation while leaving Ceuta off the agenda. Western Sahara: As the UN prepares to review MINURSO’s mandate, Sahrawis for Peace has urged envoy Staffan de Mistura to include more Sahrawi voices in negotiations. Defense Industry: Morocco’s first F-16 Block 72 has completed its maiden flight, while Indian firm MKU plans a local factory for military optics and protective equipment. The developments highlight Rabat’s push to expand defense capabilities and domestic production.

FIFA Politics in Morocco: FIFA President Gianni Infantino is campaigning hard ahead of the March 18 vote in Morocco, with an AP tally showing 87 of 211 federations backing him and 49 against, while many still haven’t declared positions. EU–Morocco Security: In Brussels, the EU and Morocco held a second high-level security dialogue focused on counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and regional stability across the Maghreb and Africa. Morocco’s New Government: Morocco’s first female prime minister, Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, begins coalition talks as debates continue over what her leadership will change in practice. Sahara and UN Pressure: The Polisario’s Brahim Ghali urged UN chief António Guterres to intervene over a hunger strike by Sahrawi prisoners in Moroccan jails. Defense Milestone: Lockheed Martin says Morocco’s first F-16 Block 72 completed its maiden flight, advancing the Royal Moroccan Air Force’s modernization plans. Rabat Education & Rights: Complaints of hazing (“bizutage”) at a Rabat mineral industry school have reignited scrutiny of student abuse. Regional Migration Fallout: Spain’s Ceuta and Melilla leaders received the Senate’s Gold Medal amid ongoing fallout from the July migration crisis.

Government Formation: Morocco’s first female prime minister, Fatima-Zahra El Mansouri, has begun decisive coalition talks after PAM’s 23 September win, with portfolio allocation and gender-parity debates shaping the next cabinet. Public Finance & Business Climate: Morocco cut average supplier payment delays in 2025 to 16.2 days, while private-sector delays remain longer; the Payment Delays Observatory also shows wider regulatory coverage. Sahara Diplomacy: UN reporting says talks are shifting toward “transitional arrangements” under Morocco’s autonomy plan, as multiple partners reiterate support for Moroccan sovereignty. International Legal-Political Moves: Norway filed two formal complaints with FIFA committees over alleged governance and conflict-of-interest concerns involving Infantino. Regional Security: Saudi aviation reported attacks on two southern airports (Jazan, Najran) injuring three, amid intensified fighting with Yemen’s Houthis. Morocco-Italy Links: ONMT signed a three-year tourism push with GNV to grow sea travel from Italy, targeting 350,000 passengers. Sports & Governance: CAF faces another credibility test as a WAFU-B final dispute heads toward Switzerland over match-official decisions and finality.

Spain Snap Election: Pedro Sánchez called a snap general election for 29 November after parliament rejected his housing decrees, as protests over evictions and rent hikes keep widening. Ceuta Migration Fallout: Amnesty International says Spanish forces in Ceuta abused migrants, while Spanish police cleared a large tent camp ahead of a royal visit—keeping Morocco–Spain tensions in the spotlight. Morocco Surveillance Claims: Moroccan journalist Omar Radi told Al Jazeera he was targeted with Pegasus spyware, describing years of surveillance tied to his reporting; Amnesty frames it as part of a broader system targeting Sahrawi activists and civil society. Western Sahara Talks: A UN report says negotiations are shifting toward transitional modalities, with Morocco’s autonomy plan as the basis under Security Council Resolution 2797. Morocco–UAE Finance Links: Bank Al-Maghrib and the UAE central bank agreed to deepen supervision and Islamic finance cooperation and explore interlinking instant payment systems. Security & Mobility: Morocco ordered additional heavy military transporters from Oshkosh Defense, expanding logistics capacity for armored forces. Morocco Politics Online: A study by Morocco’s audiovisual regulator says PAM led Facebook engagement while PJD dominated party website publishing ahead of the 2026 cycle.

Morocco’s Coalition Talks: Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, Morocco’s first female prime minister, is set to open formal coalition talks after a heated PAM National Council debate, with analysts pointing to tough arithmetic for a majority and possible kingmaker roles for Istiqlal and allies. Sahara Diplomacy: A new phase in US messaging keeps Washington’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty on paper, while stressing the conflict is unresolved—an approach that could shape how regional partners translate statements into security and political arrangements. Ceuta Migration Pressure: Spanish authorities began clearing Ceuta’s Trampolín beach camp ahead of a royal visit, moving migrants to identification and temporary facilities while hundreds of Moroccans returned voluntarily. Spain Snap Election: Pedro Sánchez called a snap general election for Nov. 29 after parliament rejected emergency housing decrees amid nationwide rent and eviction protests. Justice & Regional Legal Cooperation: Morocco-linked ministerial diplomacy continued as the Arab Ministers of Justice met in Ifrane, with Mauritania elected to the board of an Arab legal research center. Digital Transition Push: Morocco’s UMT urged the incoming government to prioritize administrative reform and a digital transition, including stronger training, anti-corruption action, and wider Amazigh use in public services.

Morocco’s Government Formation: Designated Head of Government Fatima Zahra El Mansouri is pushing for a “political, strong and coherent” cabinet, but coalition talks are still fluid as parties weigh participation and the credibility challenge ahead. Budget Deadline Pressure: Morocco’s next cabinet has until Oct. 20 to submit the 2027 Finance Bill, inheriting much of the outgoing framework—leaving little room to rewrite costly campaign promises. PPS Strategy in Rabat: The Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS) holds a central committee meeting in Rabat to review election results and decide whether to join the future majority after talks with El Mansouri. Sahara Diplomacy: UN reporting says negotiations on the Moroccan Sahara have entered a new phase, with renewed direct contacts resumed after years of hiatus. Ceuta Migration Fallout: Spanish police cleared the Trampolín beach camp in Ceuta ahead of King Felipe and Queen Letizia’s Oct. 13-14 visit, moving thousands to temporary accommodation amid ongoing Morocco-Spain friction. Health Policy Poll: Afrobarometer finds many Moroccans fear healthcare costs, but support for higher taxes to fund universal care is low. Football & National Mood: Morocco drew 1-1 with Mali in Tangier, slipping to 7th in FIFA’s live rankings; coach Mohamed Ouahbi said the camp ended unbeaten.

Morocco’s Budget Deadline: Prime Minister-designate Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri’s incoming government has until Oct. 20 to submit the 2027 Finance Bill, with coalition talks still under way and limited room to rewrite work prepared under Aziz Akhannouch. EU Migration Rules: The EU has listed Morocco (along with Egypt and Tunisia) as a “safe country of origin,” meaning asylum claims are processed under faster procedures. Ceuta Flashpoint: Spain has begun clearing migrant camps on Ceuta’s beaches ahead of King Felipe and Queen Letizia’s Oct. 13-14 visit, relocating thousands for identification and temporary accommodation while tensions with Morocco continue. Morocco-EU Cooperation: A new framing of the migration relationship between Morocco and the EU points to a shift from crisis management toward a strategic partnership. Football & Politics: Fouzi Lekjaa, Morocco’s football federation chief and budget minister delegate, suffered a head injury after colliding with a glass door in Skhirat; he is expected to attend the Morocco-Mali friendly in Tangier.

Surveillance & Rights: Amnesty International renewed its alarm over Morocco’s digital spying, saying Pegasus-linked targeting of Sahrawi activists has expanded to families and lawyers, alongside smear campaigns and judicial harassment. Sahara Diplomacy: A Morocco-Algeria border dispute expert urged Rabat to build a historical and legal case for the U.S., using colonial-era maps and negotiation records. Health Watch: Morocco reported a diphtheria death in Youssoufia after a child tested positive without childhood vaccination, with officials citing stable conditions and limited clusters. Elections & Governance: A policy review of outgoing coalition parties found election programs heavy on social promises but thin on constitutional and electoral reform; meanwhile, the Public Prosecution said the Sept. 23 vote proceeded normally with far fewer complaints than in 2021. Coalition Talks: PAM empowered Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri to lead negotiations for the next governing majority, with a new round of contacts set to begin next week. Public Finance: Morocco approved a €349.1m World Bank loan for climate and risk financing, while a survey found 48% of Moroccans back higher taxes for universal health care.

CBUAE–Bank Al-Maghrib Deal: Morocco’s central bank and the UAE’s CBUAE signed two MoUs in Abu Dhabi to boost banking supervision and Islamic finance ties, plus explore linking instant payments, card switches and financial messaging for smoother cross-border transactions. Sahara on the UN Agenda: The UN Security Council will hold two closed meetings on Western Sahara on Oct. 7-8 ahead of MINURSO renewal, with Resolution 2797 guiding talks toward negotiations based on Morocco’s autonomy plan. Regional Backing for Autonomy: Ecuador and the GCC both reaffirmed support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal at the UN, while El Salvador reiterated its backing for a “pragmatic, realistic” political settlement. New Government Formalized: Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri’s appointment as Morocco’s head of government was published in the Official Gazette, following the Sept. 23 legislative election and the King’s Sept. 29 mandate to form a cabinet. Digital Morocco: The Ministry of Digital Transition released open-source Darija AI tools with Mistral, including dialect identification and automatic speech recognition for Moroccan Arabic. Ceuta Courts Reinforced: Spain’s Ceuta justice system added judges, prosecutors and public defenders after the migrant entry crisis, as legal and forensic capacity expanded. Morocco–Senegal Diplomacy: Foreign ministers Nasser Bourita and Cheikh Niang spoke by phone to reaffirm plans to deepen bilateral cooperation.