Lekjaa Named Finance Minister in Morocco's New Government

Morocco has appointed Lekjaa as the new Finance Minister, joining a 32-member government led by Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, who was appointed by King Mohammed VI as the country’s first woman head of government. The Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), which won the largest share of seats in parliament, formed a coalition with the moderate socialist parties PPS and USFP, along with the nationalist Istiqlal.

Together, they hold 207 seats in parliament, surpassing the 198 needed for a majority. The new government retained key ministers, including those responsible for foreign affairs and interior, while welcoming newcomers such as Nabil Benabdallah as education minister and Khalid Hatimi as minister of agriculture.

This government will oversee the final stages of a $20-billion initiative to prepare for the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Portugal and Spain. It faces challenges related to unemployment and demands for improved education and health services.