Surprises in the Mansouri Government's Lineup: "Ports" Divided Among Parties and the Popular Movement Excluded!

Consultations on forming the new government led by Fatima al-Zahra al-Mansouri have entered a decisive phase, moving beyond the stage of political intentions to securing a majority and allocating ministerial portfolios.

The new governing coalition is taking shape as a four-party alliance led by the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), which holds 97 seats, alongside the parties of the “Historical Bloc” (the Independence Party with 65 seats, the Socialist Union, and the Progress and Socialism Party), while the National Rally of Independents has been excluded.

Despite this bloc, the coalition faces the challenge of a narrow parliamentary margin, having secured approximately 207 seats compared to the 198-seat threshold for an absolute majority, making it vulnerable to challenges from the Constitutional Court or the absence of lawmakers during votes on vital bills, such as budget laws.

In terms of party participation, the Popular Movement is heading toward the opposition following the breakdown of negotiations due to disagreements over certain figures and issues, such as El Aidoudi, known as “Moul Al-Madhousa.”

In contrast, the Independence Party is set to secure a significant share of 6 to 7 ministerial portfolios, with Nizar Baraka appointed to a key sector and consideration given to regional and family balance, while the Socialist Union is set to secure 3 portfolios.

As for the Party of Progress and Socialism, it has decided to participate based on a platform that is 70% aligned with that of the PAM, with the condition that technocrats be excluded and that the party rely on its own qualified members.

Regarding the distribution of major sectors and leadership positions, several prominent figures stand out: Fawzi Lakja is being nominated for the Ministry of Finance, and Hisham Al-Mahajri for the Ministry of Agriculture to restructure the sector.

As for the presidency of the House of Representatives, there is significant internal competition within the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) between Ahmed Al-Touizi and former Secretary-General Abdellatif Wahbi, indicating that the “Al-Jarrar” party is moving toward combining the presidencies of the government and the House of Representatives.