Morocco's ministerial reform: basic principles, new architecture and the shape of the USFP

According to Maghreb Intelligence, in order for Aziz Akhannouch's Moroccan government to see the light of day after the final approval of the Financial Law, it needs frequent meetings between the leaders of the current government team and the tripartite coalition, who are reportedly preparing the necessary amendments.

The party that led the government for the last decade, the Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD), was ousted by the National Alliance for Independence (RNI), led by Aziz Akhannouch, the second richest person in the country after King Mohammed VI. 

Maghreb Intelligence understands from informed sources in Rabat that the USFP will not join the coalition and will maintain its position of 'half figs, half grapes'. The Socialists expect friendly action from the head of government, but Driss Lachgar's partners are likely to remain behind for a long time. 

The national structure is also expected to integrate some ministries, and those ministries that have proven to be ineffective will change their names and areas of responsibility. State secretaries are expected to be announced early in the term. As for the secessionist parties, some ministers have expressed their intention to leave the government team. 

This is due to the fact that part of the government is, according to Maghreb Intelligence, "not in the right frame of mind and partly due to a lack of motivation for state affairs". Among them, Maghreb Intelligence listed the names of Mohamed Abdeljalil, in charge of Transport and Logistics, Minister Leila Benali, in charge of Energy Transition, and Ghita Mezzour, in charge of Digital Transformation and Administrative Reform. 

Chakib Benmoussa, who recently joined the Royal Academy, will also be dismissed. In addition, the government spokesman, Mustafa Baïtas, "one of the loyal supporters of the head of government", completely destroyed his mission and his relations with journalists following this incident. The fate of other ministers will be confirmed at the last minute. This applies to the Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, Fatima-Zahra Ammor, Minister of Tourism, and the Moroccan Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration and Family, Aawatif Hayar. 

While the former is expected to change his portfolio, the latter two are said to remain in their current positions despite frequent mentions in the media. Finally, the move will fulfil the wishes of Mouhcine Jazouli, the minister delegated by the head of the Moroccan government for Investment, Convergence and Evaluation of Public Policies, who is very close to Aziz Akhannouch, who will be 'promoted' to head the ministry in charge of Investment, Industry, Economic Inclusion and Digital Technology.