Summary:

On 22 October 2026, Morocco’s House of Representatives debated the government program presented by Prime Minister Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, the first woman to hold the post. 

The debate exposed concerns over the program’s ability to deliver on economic and social commitments, particularly its pledge to create one million jobs despite setting a net employment target of 250,000. Lawmakers from both the governing coalition and opposition parties called for more concrete measures to address corruption, rising living costs and weak public services. 

The debate also raised questions over the future of the Samir refinery and included renewed calls to release Hirak Rif and Gen Z detainees. Several parties reiterated Morocco’s claims to Ceuta and Melilla, an issue with implications for relations with Spain. 

Outlook: 

The government’s parliamentary majority limits the risk of legislative deadlock, but public pressure will build if it fails to deliver measurable progress on employment and living costs. The 2027 Finance Bill will be an important test of its ability to turn its commitments into funded measures, particularly on prices and social assistance. 

Continued calls to release Gen Z and Hirak Rif detainees will keep political rights on the agenda. Cross-party support for Morocco’s claims to Ceuta and Melilla also suggests that diplomatic friction with Madrid over the enclaves will persist. 

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