Morocco Cabinet Retains Interior and Islamic Affairs Chiefs

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI appointed a 32-member government on Friday, keeping Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit and Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Ahmed Toufiq as the new administration took office in Rabat. Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri leads the government, sworn in at the Royal Palace after parliamentary elections held on September 23.

Security and Continuity in the Cabinet

Nine ministers kept their posts, the Royal Cabinet announced. They include Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit, Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi, as well as Ahmed Toufiq, who oversees endowments and Islamic affairs. Their continued service places experienced ministers in key government roles as the new cabinet begins its work.

Nizar Baraka also remains minister of equipment and water. His portfolio now includes forests, which previously came under the Agriculture Ministry. The reshuffle shifts responsibility for forests while keeping Baraka in his ministerial post.

The government brings together ministers and newcomers from political parties and technocratic backgrounds. Its stated aims are to accelerate reforms and improve public services. Returning officials and new appointments make up the cabinet, while El Mansouri’s leadership marks Morocco’s first female head of government.

Finance and Government Priorities

Fouzi Lekjaa became minister of economy, finance and public sector performance after serving for years as minister delegate in charge of the budget. Political observers widely expected his promotion. In his previous role, Lekjaa prepared annual budgets, monitored their implementation and managed fiscal reforms.

His new duties include mobilizing resources, encouraging investment and financing social programs while maintaining macroeconomic stability. He’ll also shape fiscal policies and work to keep development priorities compatible with sustainable public finances. Budget management, investment and public-sector performance now fall within his expanded role.

The cabinet says it will pursue reform and improved public services alongside its fiscal responsibilities. The source described those aims but offered no further details about specific reforms or their timetable. That’s all the information provided.

Women Take Seven Cabinet Positions

Women hold seven cabinet posts, including El Mansouri’s position as head of government. Six other women received ministerial or minister delegate appointments covering energy, social policy, parliamentary affairs, vocational training, housing and public administration.

Charafat Afailal became minister of energy, mines and sustainable development. Najwa Koukouss takes charge of family affairs, social development and equality, while Kouloub Faitah became minister delegate to the head of government in charge of relations with parliament and civil society.

Madiha Khayr is minister delegate for vocational training and qualification, working under the minister of national education, preschool education, vocational training and qualification. Fatima Saadi became minister delegate for housing and urban policy under the minister responsible for national territorial planning, urban development, housing and urban policy.

Aicha Kelaa now leads administrative reform as minister delegate under the minister of artificial intelligence, digital transformation and administrative reform. El Mansouri’s appointment and women’s wider representation have renewed debate about women’s participation in political leadership and government decision-making in Morocco.